Table of Contents


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý
Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016
or
¨
Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 000-19289
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio
 
31-1324304
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
518 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
 
43215-3976
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (614) 464-5000
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   ý     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   ý     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer ý
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes   ¨     No   ý
On July 29, 2016 , the Registrant had 41,676,921 Common Shares outstanding.
 



Table of Contents


Index to Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016

 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

PART I – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,029.9 and $1,972.9, respectively)
$
2,123.4

 
$
2,000.7

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $253.5 and $265.2, respectively)
300.7

 
310.6

Other invested assets, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $57.2 and $56.9, respectively)
85.3

 
85.1

Other invested assets
5.3

 
5.3

Notes receivable from affiliate
70.0

 
70.0

Total investments
2,584.7

 
2,471.7

Cash and cash equivalents
53.0

 
58.1

Accrued investment income and other assets
36.3

 
35.7

Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated net assumed $54.3 and $49.3, respectively)
131.8

 
129.1

Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses payable
6.1

 
5.9

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
5.9

 
6.8

Due from affiliate
28.4

 
5.9

Current federal income taxes
4.9

 
4.9

Net deferred federal income taxes
74.9

 
102.5

Property and equipment, at cost
7.5

 
7.6

Total assets
$
2,933.5

 
$
2,828.2

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses payable (affiliated net assumed $572.6 and $532.4, respectively)
$
1,143.2

 
$
1,053.0

Unearned premiums (affiliated net assumed $226.2 and $214.2, respectively)
623.7

 
616.3

Notes payable (affiliates $15.2 and $15.2, respectively)
100.5

 
100.5

Postretirement and pension benefits (affiliated net ceded $53.2 and $56.0, respectively)
98.8

 
104.0

Other liabilities (affiliated net assumed $6.3 and affiliated net ceded $8.4, respectively)
65.9

 
69.8

Total liabilities
2,032.1

 
1,943.6

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Class A Preferred stock (nonvoting), without par value. Authorized 2.5 shares; none issued

 

Class B Preferred stock, without par value. Authorized 2.5 shares; none issued

 

Common stock, without par value. Authorized 100.0 shares; 48.4 and 48.1 shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $2.50 per share
120.9

 
120.4

Treasury stock, 6.8 and 6.8 shares, respectively, at cost
(116.5
)
 
(116.3
)
Additional paid-in capital
154.8

 
153.5

Accumulated other comprehensive income (affiliated net ceded $54.4 and $56.7, respectively)
82.7

 
37.6

Retained earnings
659.5

 
689.4

Total stockholders’ equity
901.4

 
884.6

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,933.5

 
$
2,828.2

 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
1

Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Three months ended June 30
(unaudited)
2016
 
2015
Earned premiums (affiliated net assumed $117.6 and $102.9, respectively)
$
322.4

 
$
311.5

Net investment income (affiliates $1.2 and $1.2, respectively)
19.1

 
19.8

Net realized gains on investments:
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(0.6
)
 
(0.8
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income

 

Other net realized investment gains
7.1

 
6.2

Total net realized gains on investments
6.5

 
5.4

Other income from affiliates
0.5

 
0.7

Total revenues
348.5

 
337.4

 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses (affiliated net assumed $86.8 and $59.4, respectively)
262.9

 
224.6

Acquisition and operating expenses (affiliated net assumed $68.4 and $58.8, respectively)
107.2

 
105.9

Interest expense (affiliates $0.2 and $0.2, respectively)
1.4

 
1.4

Other expenses
2.1

 
2.1

Total expenses
373.6

 
334.0

(Loss) income before federal income taxes
(25.1
)
 
3.4

Federal income tax (benefit) expense:
 
 
 
Current

 
0.2

Deferred
(0.5
)
 
0.5

Total federal income tax (benefit) expense
(0.5
)
 
0.7

Net (loss) income
$
(24.6
)
 
$
2.7

(Loss) earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.59
)
 
$
0.06

Diluted
$
(0.59
)
 
$
0.06

Dividends paid per common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.10

 
 
 
 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2

Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Six months ended June 30
(unaudited)
2016
 
2015
Earned premiums (affiliated net assumed $231.0 and $208.3, respectively)
$
642.3

 
$
626.8

Net investment income (affiliates $2.4 and $2.4, respectively)
36.5

 
35.2

Net realized gains on investments:
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(4.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income

 

Other net realized investment gains
12.1

 
10.5

Total net realized gains on investments
7.8

 
9.2

Other income from affiliates
1.1

 
1.1

Total revenues
687.7

 
672.3

 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses (affiliated net assumed $180.5 and $133.5, respectively)
487.9

 
419.6

Acquisition and operating expenses (affiliated net assumed $138.9 and $136.1, respectively)
214.7

 
209.3

Interest expense (affiliates $0.4 and $0.4, respectively)
2.7

 
2.7

Other expenses
3.7

 
4.1

Total expenses
709.0

 
635.7

(Loss) income before federal income taxes
(21.3
)
 
36.6

Federal income tax expense:

 
 
 
Current

 
0.6

Deferred
0.3

 
8.6

Total federal income tax expense
0.3

 
9.2

Net (loss) income
$
(21.6
)
 
$
27.4

(Loss) earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.52
)
 
$
0.67

Diluted
$
(0.52
)
 
$
0.66

Dividends paid per common share
$
0.20

 
$
0.20

 
 
 
 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3

Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Three months ended June 30
(unaudited)
2016
 
2015
Net (loss) income
$
(24.6
)
 
$
2.7

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
38.2

 
(38.6
)
Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income
(6.5
)
 
(5.4
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(11.1
)
 
15.4

Total net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments
20.6

 
(28.6
)
Net unrecognized benefit plan obligations:
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments for amortization to statements of income:
 
 
 
Negative prior service cost
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
Net actuarial loss
2.3

 
2.9

Income tax expense
(0.2
)
 
(0.5
)
Total net unrecognized benefit plan obligations
0.7

 
1.0

Other comprehensive income (loss)
21.3

 
(27.6
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(3.3
)
 
$
(24.9
)
 
 
 
 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Six months ended June 30
(unaudited)
2016
 
2015
Net (loss) income
$
(21.6
)
 
$
27.4

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
75.2

 
(21.6
)
Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income
(7.8
)
 
(9.6
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(23.6
)
 
10.9

Total net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments
43.8

 
(20.3
)
Net unrecognized benefit plan obligations:
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments for amortization to statements of income:
 
 
 
Negative prior service cost
(2.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Net actuarial loss
4.7

 
5.8

Income tax expense
(0.6
)
 
(1.0
)
Total net unrecognized benefit plan obligations
1.3

 
2.0

Other comprehensive income (loss)
45.1

 
(18.3
)
Comprehensive income
$
23.5

 
$
9.1

 
 
 
 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
($ in millions)
Six months ended June 30
(unaudited)
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(21.6
)
 
$
27.4

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization, net
7.4

 
7.3

Share-based compensation
2.2

 
2.4

Net realized gains on investments
(7.8
)
 
(9.2
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition benefits
(2.7
)
 
(7.0
)
Accrued investment income and other assets
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
Postretirement and pension benefits
(3.8
)
 
(1.6
)
Other liabilities and due to/from affiliates, net
(27.8
)
 
(87.7
)
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss expenses payable and prepaid reinsurance premiums
0.7

 
0.3

Losses and loss expenses payable
90.2

 
39.8

Unearned premiums
7.4

 
19.9

Excess tax benefits on share-based awards
(0.3
)
 
(0.1
)
Federal income taxes
1.0

 
7.8

Cash provided from December 31, 2014 unearned premium transfer related to the homeowners quota share arrangement

 
63.5

Net cash provided by operating activities
44.5

 
62.2

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities available-for-sale
(292.0
)
 
(317.9
)
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale
(45.0
)
 
(26.1
)
Purchases of other invested assets
(0.7
)
 
(4.3
)
Maturities, calls and pay downs of fixed maturities available-for-sale
101.2

 
147.5

Sales of fixed maturities available-for-sale
126.4

 
68.9

Sales of equity securities available-for-sale
65.0

 
39.8

Sales of other invested assets available-for-sale
0.4

 
0.3

Net additions of property and equipment

 
(0.1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(44.7
)
 
(91.9
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
3.3

 
2.4

Payments to acquire treasury stock
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Payment of dividends
(8.3
)
 
(8.3
)
Excess tax benefits on share-based awards
0.3

 
0.1

Net cash used in financing activities
(4.9
)
 
(6.0
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(5.1
)
 
(35.7
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
58.1

 
86.3

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
53.0

 
$
50.6

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
Interest paid (affiliates $0.4 and $0.3, respectively)
$
2.6

 
$
2.6

Federal income taxes paid
$

 
$
2.4

 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6

Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 


1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of State Auto Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries (“State Auto Financial” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2015 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “ 2015 Form 10-K”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 2015 Form 10-K.
Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
The amendments in this guidance simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring them to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related recognized debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company adopted this guidance at January 1, 2016 on a retrospective basis and it resulted in a  $0.3 million decrease to notes payable and accrued investment income and other assets at December 31, 2015.
Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)
The amendments in this guidance remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company adopted this guidance at January 1, 2016 and it did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting
The amendments in this guidance simplify the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including: income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification of excess tax benefits, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of the guidance and has not yet determined its effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.



7


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

2. Investments
The following tables set forth the cost or amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities by lot at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 :
($ millions)
Cost or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized holding gains
 
Gross unrealized holding losses
 
Fair value
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
229.3

 
$
14.5

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
243.3

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
691.5

 
42.9

 

 
734.4

Corporate securities
530.7

 
14.5

 
(2.3
)
 
542.9

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
578.4

 
25.1

 
(0.7
)
 
602.8

Total fixed maturities
2,029.9

 
97.0

 
(3.5
)
 
2,123.4

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
198.5

 
33.9

 
(4.3
)
 
228.1

Small-cap securities
55.0

 
17.7

 
(0.1
)
 
72.6

Total equity securities
253.5

 
51.6

 
(4.4
)
 
300.7

Other invested assets
57.2

 
28.1

 

 
85.3

Total available-for-sale securities
$
2,340.6

 
$
176.7

 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
2,509.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
Cost or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized holding gains
 
Gross unrealized holding losses
 
Fair value
December 31, 2015
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
219.8

 
$
6.6

 
$
(2.0
)
 
$
224.4

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
804.0

 
22.5

 
(1.7
)
 
824.8

Corporate securities
500.3

 
5.8

 
(11.7
)
 
494.4

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
448.8

 
11.5

 
(3.2
)
 
457.1

Total fixed maturities
1,972.9

 
46.4

 
(18.6
)
 
2,000.7

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
211.9

 
34.2

 
(5.1
)
 
241.0

Small-cap securities
53.3

 
16.5

 
(0.2
)
 
69.6

Total equity securities
265.2

 
50.7

 
(5.3
)
 
310.6

Other invested assets
56.9

 
28.3

 
(0.1
)
 
85.1

Total available-for-sale securities
$
2,295.0

 
$
125.4

 
$
(24.0
)
 
$
2,396.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

The following tables set forth the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value on its investments by lot, aggregated by investment category and length of time for individual securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 :
($ millions, except # of positions)
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized losses
 
Number of positions
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized losses
 
Number of positions
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized losses
 
Number of positions
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
3.3

 
$
(0.1
)
 
1

 
$
8.9

 
$
(0.4
)
 
1

 
$
12.2

 
$
(0.5
)
 
2

Corporate securities
30.5

 
(0.4
)
 
4

 
44.6

 
(1.9
)
 
7

 
75.1

 
(2.3
)
 
11

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
28.9

 
(0.1
)
 
4

 
25.7

 
(0.6
)
 
9

 
54.6

 
(0.7
)
 
13

Total fixed maturities
62.7

 
(0.6
)
 
9

 
79.2

 
(2.9
)
 
17

 
141.9

 
(3.5
)
 
26

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap equity securities
33.0

 
(3.8
)
 
17

 
2.8

 
(0.5
)
 
1

 
35.8

 
(4.3
)
 
18

Small-cap equity securities

4.5

 
(0.1
)
 
1

 

 

 

 
4.5

 
(0.1
)
 
1

Total equity securities
37.5

 
(3.9
)
 
18

 
2.8

 
(0.5
)
 
1

 
40.3

 
(4.4
)
 
19

Total temporarily impaired securities
$
100.2

 
$
(4.5
)
 
27

 
$
82.0

 
$
(3.4
)
 
18

 
$
182.2

 
$
(7.9
)
 
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions, except # of positions)
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized losses
 
Number of positions
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized losses
 
Number of positions
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized losses
 
Number of positions
December 31, 2015
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
68.6

 
$
(1.6
)
 
15

 
$
13.5

 
$
(0.4
)
 
4

 
$
82.1

 
$
(2.0
)
 
19

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
137.5

 
(1.7
)
 
16

 

 

 

 
137.5

 
(1.7
)
 
16

Corporate securities
246.9

 
(5.3
)
 
36

 
63.9

 
(6.4
)
 
11

 
310.8

 
(11.7
)
 
47

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
132.2

 
(2.3
)
 
18

 
33.0

 
(0.9
)
 
11

 
165.2

 
(3.2
)
 
29

Total fixed maturities
585.2

 
(10.9
)
 
85

 
110.4

 
(7.7
)
 
26

 
695.6

 
(18.6
)
 
111

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap equity securities
65.8

 
(5.1
)
 
24

 

 

 

 
65.8

 
(5.1
)
 
24

Small-cap equity securities
3.4

 
(0.2
)
 
1

 

 

 

 
3.4

 
(0.2
)
 
1

Total equity securities
69.2

 
(5.3
)
 
25

 

 

 

 
69.2

 
(5.3
)
 
25

Other invested assets
8.1

 
(0.1
)
 
1

 

 

 

 
8.1

 
(0.1
)
 
1

Total temporarily impaired securities
$
662.5

 
$
(16.3
)
 
111

 
$
110.4

 
$
(7.7
)
 
26

 
$
772.9

 
$
(24.0
)
 
137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







9


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

The Company reviewed its investments at June 30, 2016 , and determined that no additional other-than-temporary impairment existed in the gross unrealized holding losses other than those listed in the table below. The following table sets forth the realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments on the Company’s investment portfolio recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
$

 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$

Small-cap securities
(0.6
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(1.3
)
Fixed maturities:

 

 
(2.3
)
 

Total other-than-temporary impairments
$
(0.6
)
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
(1.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company regularly monitors its investments that have fair values less than cost or amortized cost for signs of other-than-temporary impairment, an assessment that requires significant management judgment regarding the evidence known. Such judgments could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could negatively impact the amounts reported. Among the factors that management considers for fixed maturity securities are the financial condition of the issuer including receipt of scheduled principal and interest cash flows, and intent to sell, including if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery. When a fixed maturity has been determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment, the impairment charge is separated into an amount representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings as a realized loss, and the amount related to non-credit factors, which is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Among the factors that management considers for equity securities and other invested assets are the length of time and/or the significance of decline below cost, the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities through their recovery periods, the current financial condition of the issuer and its future business prospects, and the ability of the market value to recover to cost in the near term. When an equity security or other invested asset has been determined to have a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted to fair value. This results in a charge to earnings as a realized loss, which is not reversed for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities by contractual maturity at June 30, 2016 :
($ millions)
Amortized cost
 
Fair
value
Due in 1 year or less
$
36.6

 
$
37.1

Due after 1 year through 5 years
511.7

 
528.5

Due after 5 years through 10 years
270.7

 
282.5

Due after 10 years
632.5

 
672.5

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
578.4

 
602.8

Total
$
2,029.9

 
$
2,123.4

 
 
 
 
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
At June 30, 2016 , State Auto P&C had U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed fixed maturity securities, with a carrying value of approximately $85.0 million , that were pledged as collateral for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati ("FHLB") Loan. In accordance with the terms of the FHLB Loan, State Auto P&C retains all rights regarding these securities.
Fixed maturities with fair values of $9.3 million and $8.8 million were on deposit with insurance regulators as required by law at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The Company retains all rights regarding these securities.

10


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

The following table sets forth the components of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
 ($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Fixed maturities
$
16.7

 
$
17.4

 
$
31.6

 
$
30.3

Equity securities
1.5

 
1.7

 
3.0

 
3.3

Cash and cash equivalents, and other
1.3

 
1.3

 
2.7

 
2.7

Investment income
19.5

 
20.4

 
37.3

 
36.3

Investment expenses
0.4

 
0.6

 
0.8

 
1.1

Net investment income
$
19.1

 
$
19.8

 
$
36.5

 
$
35.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s current investment strategy does not rely on the use of derivative financial instruments.
Proceeds on sales of available-for-sale securities were $191.8 million and $109.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
The following table sets forth the realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on the Company’s investment portfolio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Realized gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
0.6

 
$
0.4

 
$
2.1

 
$
1.5

Equity securities
6.6

 
5.9

 
10.7

 
10.0

Other invested assets
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

Total realized gains
7.3

 
6.4

 
12.9

 
11.6

Realized losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.7
)
OTTI
(0.6
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(1.3
)
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTTI

 

 
(2.3
)
 

Total realized losses
(0.8
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(2.0
)
Net realized gains on investments
$
6.5

 
$
5.4

 
$
7.8

 
$
9.6

Change in unrealized holding gains, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
29.5

 
$
(38.0
)
 
$
65.7

 
$
(28.6
)
Equity securities
2.8

 
(6.5
)
 
1.8

 
(7.5
)
Other invested assets
(0.6
)
 
0.5

 
(0.1
)
 
4.9

Deferred federal income tax liability
(11.1
)
 
15.4

 
(23.6
)
 
10.9

Change in net unrealized holding gains, net of tax
$
20.6

 
$
(28.6
)
 
$
43.8

 
$
(20.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Below is the fair value hierarchy that categorizes into three levels the inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value:
Level 1 includes observable inputs which reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
Level 2 includes observable inputs for assets or liabilities other than quoted prices included in Level 1, and it includes valuation techniques which use prices for similar assets and liabilities.
Level 3 includes unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).
The Company utilizes one nationally recognized pricing service to estimate the majority of its available-for-sale investment portfolio’s fair value. The Company obtains one price per security and the processes and control procedures employed by the Company are designed to ensure the value is accurately recorded on an unadjusted basis. Through discussions with the pricing service, the Company gains an understanding of the methodologies used to price the different types of securities, that the data and the valuation methods utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the assumptions are reasonable and representative of fair value. To validate the reasonableness of the valuations obtained from the pricing service, the Company compares to other fair value pricing information gathered from other independent pricing sources. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company did not adjust any of the prices received from the pricing service.
Transfers between level categorizations may occur due to changes in the availability of market observable inputs. Transfers in and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers between level categorizations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 .
The following sections describe the valuation methods used by the Company for each type of financial instrument it holds that are carried at fair value.
Fixed Maturities
The Company utilizes a third party pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for the majority of its fixed maturities. The fair value estimate of the Company’s fixed maturity investments are determined by evaluations that are based on observable market information rather than market quotes. Inputs to the evaluations include, but are not limited to, market prices from recently completed transactions and transactions of comparable securities, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, and other market-observable information. The fixed maturity portfolio pricing obtained from the pricing service is reviewed for reasonableness. The Company regularly selects a random sample of security prices which are compared to one or more alternative pricing sources for reasonableness. Any discrepancies with the pricing are returned to the pricing service for further explanation and, if necessary, adjustments are made. To date, the Company has not identified any significant discrepancies in the pricing provided by its third party pricing service. Investments valued using these inputs include U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate securities (except for a security discussed below), and U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities. All unadjusted estimates of fair value for fixed maturities priced by the pricing service are included in the amounts disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. If market inputs are unavailable, then no fair value is provided by the pricing service. For these securities, fair value is determined either by requesting brokers who are knowledgeable about these securities to provide a quote; or the Company internally determines the fair values by employing widely accepted pricing valuation models, and depending on the level of observable market inputs, renders the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. The Company holds one corporate fixed maturity security included in Level 3 and estimates its fair value using the present value of the future cash flows. Due to the limited amount of observable market information for this security, the Company includes the fair value estimate in Level 3.

12


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

Equities
The fair value of each equity security is based on an observable market price for an identical asset in an active market and is priced by the same pricing service discussed above. All equity securities are recorded using unadjusted market prices and have been disclosed in Level 1.
  Other Invested Assets
Included in other invested assets are two international funds (“the funds”) that invest in equity securities of foreign issuers and are managed by third party investment managers. The funds had a fair value of $76.6 million and $77.0 million at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, which was determined using each fund’s net asset value. The Company employs procedures to assess the reasonableness of the fair value of the funds including obtaining and reviewing each fund’s audited financial statements. There are no unfunded commitments related to the funds. The Company may not sell its investment in the funds; however, the Company may redeem all or a portion of its investment in the funds at net asset value per share with the appropriate prior written notice. In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification 820-10, these investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Fair values presented here are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The remainder of the Company’s other invested assets consist primarily of holdings in publicly-traded mutual funds. The Company believes that its prices for these publicly-traded mutual funds based on an observable market price for an identical asset in an active market reflect their fair values and consequently these securities have been disclosed in Level 1.

13


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

  The following tables set forth the Company’s available-for-sale investments within the fair value hierarchy at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 :
($ millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
June 30, 2016
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
243.3

 
$

 
$
243.3

 
$

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
734.4

 

 
734.4

 

Corporate securities
542.9

 

 
539.5

 
3.4

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
602.8

 

 
602.8

 

Total fixed maturities
2,123.4

 

 
2,120.0

 
3.4

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
228.1

 
228.1

 

 

Small-cap securities
72.6

 
72.6

 

 

Total equity securities
300.7

 
300.7

 

 

Other invested assets
8.7

 
8.7

 

 

Total available-for-sale investments
$
2,432.8

 
$
309.4

 
$
2,120.0

 
$
3.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
December 31, 2015
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
224.4

 
$

 
$
224.4

 
$

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
824.8

 

 
824.8

 

Corporate securities
494.4

 

 
491.1

 
3.3

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
457.1

 

 
457.1

 

Total fixed maturities
2,000.7

 

 
1,997.4

 
3.3

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
241.0

 
241.0

 

 

Small-cap securities
69.6

 
69.6

 

 

Total equity securities
310.6

 
310.6

 

 

Other invested assets
8.1

 
8.1

 

 

Total available-for-sale investments
$
2,319.4

 
$
318.7

 
$
1,997.4

 
$
3.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

For assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the following tables set forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 , separately for each major category of assets:
($ millions)
Fixed maturities
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
3.3

Total realized gains – included in earnings

Total unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income

Purchases
0.1

Sales

Transfers into Level 3

Transfers out of Level 3

Balance at March 31, 2016
$
3.4

Total realized gains – included in earnings

Total unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income

Purchases

Sales

Transfers into Level 3

Transfers out of Level 3

Balance at June 30, 2016
$
3.4

 
 
($ millions)
Fixed maturities
Balance at January 1, 2015
$
9.4

Total realized gains – included in earnings

Total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income
(0.2
)
Purchases

Sales
(5.9
)
Transfers into Level 3

Transfers out of Level 3

Balance at December 31, 2015
$
3.3

 
 
The following sections describe the valuation methods used by the Company for each type of financial instrument it holds that is not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed:
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
Other Invested Assets
Included in other invested assets are common stock of the FHLB and the Trust Securities. The Trust Securities and FHLB common stock are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The fair value of the FHLB common stock at June 30, 2016 was $4.8 million and the fair value of the Trust Securities was $0.5 million . The investments have been placed in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

15


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

Notes Receivable from Affiliate
In May 2009, the Company entered into two separate credit agreements with State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company (“State Auto Mutual") pursuant to which it loaned State Auto Mutual a total of $70.0 million . The Company estimates the fair value of the notes receivable from affiliate using market quotations for U.S. treasury securities with similar maturity dates and applies an appropriate credit spread. Consequently this has been placed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
($ millions, except interest rates)
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying value
 
Fair value
 
Interest rate
 
Carrying value
 
Fair
value
 
Interest rate
Notes receivable from affiliate
$
70.0

 
$
74.8

 
7.00
%
 
$
70.0

 
$
74.1

 
7.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable
Included in notes payable are the FHLB Loan and Subordinated Debentures. The Company estimates the fair value of the FHLB Loan by discounting cash flows using a borrowing rate currently available to the Company for a loan with similar terms. This has been placed in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of the Subordinated Debentures approximates its fair value as the interest rate adjusts quarterly and has been disclosed in Level 3.
($ millions, except interest rates)
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying value
 
Fair Value
 
Interest rate
 
Carrying value
 
Fair value
 
Interest rate
FHLB Loan due 2033: issued $85.0, July 2013 with fixed interest
$
85.3

 
$
85.9

 
5.03
%
 
$
85.3

 
$
85.5

 
5.03
%
Affiliate Subordinated Debentures due 2033: issued $15.5, May 2003 with variable interest
15.2

 
15.2

 
4.87
%
 
15.2

 
15.2

 
4.61
%
Total notes payable
$
100.5

 
$
101.1

 
 
 
$
100.5

 
$
100.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Reinsurance
The insurance subsidiaries of State Auto Financial, including State Auto P&C, Milbank and SA Ohio (collectively referred to as the “STFC Pooled Companies”) participate in a quota share reinsurance pooling arrangement (“the Pooling Arrangement”) with State Auto Mutual and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively referred to as the “Mutual Pooled Companies”).

16


STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s external reinsurance transactions, as well as reinsurance transactions with State Auto Mutual under the Pooling Arrangement, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers
$
1.0

 
$
1.0

 
$
2.4

 
$
2.1

Assumed under Pooling Arrangement
322.4

 
311.5

 
642.3

 
626.8

Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers
(6.5
)
 
(8.5
)
 
(13.3
)
 
(17.4
)
Ceded under Pooling Arrangement
(204.8
)
 
(208.6
)
 
(411.3
)
 
(418.5
)
Net assumed premiums earned
$
112.1

 
$
95.4

 
$
220.1

 
$
193.0

Losses and loss expenses incurred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumed from external insurers and reinsurers
$
0.8

 
$
0.6

 
$
1.9

 
$
1.4

Assumed under Pooling Arrangement
263.3

 
225.0

 
488.7

 
420.3

Ceded to external insurers and reinsurers
(0.5
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(2.4
)
Ceded under Pooling Arrangement
(176.5
)
 
(165.6
)
 
(308.2
)
 
(286.8
)
Net assumed losses and loss expenses incurred
$
87.1

 
$
57.5

 
$
180.0

 
$
132.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Income Taxes
The following table sets forth the reconciliation between actual federal income tax expense and the amount computed at the indicated statutory rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Amount at statutory rate
$
(8.7
)
 
35.0
 %
 
$
1.2

 
35.0
 %
 
$
(7.4
)
 
35.0
 %
 
$
12.8

 
35.0
 %
Tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction
(1.9
)
 
7.4

 
(2.3
)
 
(67.2
)
 
(3.9
)
 
18.1

 
(4.5
)
 
(12.2
)
Other, net
10.1

 
(40.7
)
 
1.8

 
52.3

 
11.6

 
(54.7
)
 
0.9

 
2.3

Federal income tax (benefit) expense and effective rate
$
(0.5
)
 
1.7
 %
 
$
0.7

 
20.1
 %
 
$
0.3

 
(1.6
)%
 
$
9.2

 
25.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 reflect the impact of a correction of prior period deferred tax expense related to expired stock options. As a result of the correction, deferred federal income tax expense and additional paid-in-capital were reduced by $1.6 million , respectively.
6. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic cost for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost
$
1.5

 
$
1.9

 
$

 
$

 
$
3.1

 
$
3.9

 
$

 
$

Interest cost
2.9

 
2.9

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
5.9

 
5.7

 
0.4

 
0.4

Expected return on plan assets
(3.7
)
 
(3.5
)
 

 

 
(7.4
)
 
(6.9
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Negative prior service cost

 

 
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 

 

 
(2.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Net actuarial loss
2.3

 
2.8

 

 
0.1

 
4.6

 
5.5

 
0.1

 
0.3

Net periodic cost (benefit)
$
3.0

 
$
4.1

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
6.2

 
$
8.2

 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
(2.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company's share of contributions to its pension plan for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $6.5 million . The Company expects to contribute an additional $6.5 million during 2016.

17


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

7. Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income component (AOCI), net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
 
 

Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available-for-Sale
 Securities
 
Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning balance at April 1, 2016
$
91.7

 
$
(30.3
)
 
$
61.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
24.9

 

 
24.9

Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
(4.3
)
 
0.7

 
(3.6
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
20.6

 
0.7

 
21.3

Ending balance at June 30, 2016
$
112.3

 
$
(29.6
)
 
$
82.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance at April 1, 2015
$
118.3

 
$
(37.3
)
 
$
81.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(25.1
)
 

 
(25.1
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
(3.5
)
 
1.0

 
(2.5
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(28.6
)
 
1.0

 
(27.6
)
Ending balance at June 30, 2015
$
89.7

 
$
(36.3
)
 
$
53.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
 
 

Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available-for-Sale
Securities
 
Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 1, 2016
$
68.5

 
$
(30.9
)
 
$
37.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
48.9

 

 
48.9

Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
(5.1
)
 
1.3

 
(3.8
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
43.8

 
1.3

 
45.1

Ending balance at June 30, 2016
$
112.3

 
$
(29.6
)
 
$
82.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance at January 1, 2015
$
110.0

 
$
(38.3
)
 
$
71.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(14.1
)
 

 
(14.1
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
(6.2
)
 
2.0

 
(4.2
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(20.3
)
 
2.0

 
(18.3
)
Ending balance at June 30, 2015
$
89.7

 
$
(36.3
)
 
$
53.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
    

18


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

The following table sets forth the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, by component, to the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other 
 
Three months ended
 
Affected line item in the Condensed
Comprehensive Income Components
 
June 30
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
6.5

 
$
5.4

 
Realized gain on sale of securities
 
 
6.5

 
5.4

 
Total before tax
 
 
(2.2
)
 
(1.9
)
 
Tax expense
 
 
4.3

 
3.5

 
Net of tax
Amortization of benefit plan items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Negative prior service cost
 
1.4

 
1.4

 
(b)
Net actuarial loss
 
(2.3
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(b)
 
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.5
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
0.2

 
0.5

 
Tax benefit
 
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.0
)
 
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
3.6

 
$
2.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote for additional details).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other 
 
Six months ended
 
Affected line item in the Condensed
Comprehensive Income Components
 
June 30
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
 
$
7.8

 
$
9.6

 
Realized gain on sale of securities
 
 
7.8

 
9.6

 
Total before tax
 
 
(2.7
)
 
(3.4
)
 
Tax expense
 
 
5.1

 
6.2

 
Net of tax
Amortization of benefit plan items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Negative prior service cost
 
2.8

 
2.8

 
(b)
Net actuarial loss
 
(4.7
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(b)
 
 
(1.9
)
 
(3.0
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
0.6

 
1.0

 
Tax benefit
 
 
(1.3
)
 
(2.0
)
 
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
3.8

 
$
4.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote for additional details).

19


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

8. Net (Loss) Earnings per Common Share
The following table sets forth the compilation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ and shares in millions, except per share amounts)

Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income for basic (loss) earnings per common share
$
(24.6
)
 
$
2.7

 
$
(21.6
)
 
$
27.4

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares for basic net (loss) earnings per common share
41.5

 
41.0

 
41.4

 
41.0

Effect of dilutive share-based awards

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted net (loss) earnings per common share
41.5

 
41.5

 
41.4

 
41.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net (loss) earnings per common share
$
(0.59
)
 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
0.67

Diluted net (loss) earnings per common share
$
(0.59
)
 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
0.66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth common stock options and restricted share units ("RSU award") provided to each outside director of the Company that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise price of the options, or awards, was greater than the average market price or their inclusion would have been antidilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 .
(shares in millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Total number of antidilutive options and awards
1.6

 
1.8

 
1.7

 
1.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

20


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

9. Segment Information
The Company has four reportable segments: personal insurance, business insurance, specialty insurance and investment operations. The reportable insurance segments are business units managed separately because of the differences in the type of customers they serve, the products they provide or services they offer. The insurance segments market a broad line of property and casualty insurance products throughout the United States through independent insurance agencies, which include retail agents and wholesale brokers. The personal insurance segment provides primarily personal automobile and homeowners to the personal insurance market. The business insurance segment provides primarily commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril, fire & allied, general liability, and workers' compensation insurance covering small-to-medium sized commercial exposures. The specialty insurance segment provides commercial coverages that require specialized product underwriting, claims handling or risk management services through a distribution channel of retail agents and wholesale brokers, which may include program administrators and other specialty sources. The investment operations segment, managed by Stateco, provides investment services.
The Company evaluates the performance of its insurance segments using industry financial measurements based on Statutory Accounting Practices (“SAP”), which include loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, underwriting expense ratios, combined ratios, statutory underwriting gain (loss), net premiums earned and net written premiums. One of the most significant differences between SAP and GAAP is that SAP requires all underwriting expenses to be expensed immediately and not deferred and amortized over the same period the premium is earned.
The investment operations segment is evaluated based on investment returns of assets managed by Stateco. Asset information by segment is not reported for the insurance segments because the Company does not produce such information internally.


21


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue from external sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance
$
145.2

 
$
148.2

 
$
290.8

 
$
298.2

Business insurance
119.5

 
118.8

 
238.8

 
236.1

Specialty insurance
57.7

 
44.5

 
112.7

 
92.5

Total insurance segments
322.4

 
311.5

 
642.3

 
626.8

Investment operations segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
19.1

 
19.8

 
36.5

 
35.2

Net realized capital gains
6.5

 
5.4

 
7.8

 
9.6

Total investment operations segment
25.6

 
25.2

 
44.3

 
44.8

All other
0.5

 
0.7

 
1.1

 
0.7

Total revenue from external sources
348.5

 
337.4

 
687.7

 
672.3

Intersegment revenue
1.5

 
1.4

 
2.9

 
2.8

Total revenue
350.0

 
338.8

 
690.6

 
675.1

Reconciling items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eliminate intersegment revenues
(1.5
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(2.8
)
Total consolidated revenues
$
348.5

 
$
337.4

 
$
687.7

 
$
672.3

Segment income before federal income tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance segments SAP underwriting (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance
$
(25.1
)
 
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(21.2
)
 
$
7.2

Business insurance
(11.6
)
 
(12.8
)
 
(19.3
)
 
(13.1
)
Specialty insurance
(16.3
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(24.2
)
 
(4.9
)
Total insurance segments
(53.0
)
 
(26.0
)
 
(64.7
)
 
(10.8
)
Investment operations segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
19.1

 
19.8

 
36.5

 
35.2

Net realized capital gains
6.5

 
5.4

 
7.8

 
9.6

Total investment operations segment
25.6

 
25.2

 
44.3

 
44.8

All other
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
(0.3
)
Total segment (loss) income before tax expense
(27.3
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(20.2
)
 
33.7

Reconciling items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP expense adjustments
4.6

 
6.5

 
3.4

 
7.7

Interest expense on corporate debt
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(2.7
)
 
(2.7
)
Corporate expenses
(1.0
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(2.1
)
Total reconciling items
2.2

 
4.1

 
(1.1
)
 
2.9

Total consolidated (loss) income before federal income tax expense
$
(25.1
)
 
$
3.4

 
$
(21.3
)
 
$
36.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The specialty insurance segment results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 reflect the impact of a correction of reinsurance amounts related to the Company's reinsurance agreement covering casualty risks within the segment. As a result of the correction, net written and earned premiums were reduced by $7.6 million and $5.5 million , respectively, losses were reduced by $2.1 million and acquisition and operating expenses were reduced by $1.6 million .
Investable assets attributable to the Company’s investment operations segment totaled $2,637.7 million and $2,529.8 million at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.

22


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued (Unaudited)
 

10.  Contingencies and Litigation
In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Codification, the Company accrues for a litigation-related liability when it is probable that such a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews all litigation on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. For certain legal proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate losses or a range of loss, if any, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where the plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Various factors, including, but not limited to, the outcome of potentially lengthy discovery and the resolution of important factual questions, may need to be determined before probability can be established or before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss contingency in question is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. Based on currently available information known to the Company, it believes that its reserves for litigation-related liabilities are reasonable. However, in the event that a legal proceeding results in a substantial judgment against, or settlement by, the Company, there can be no assurance that any resulting liability or financial commitment would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
The Company is involved in lawsuits in the ordinary course of its business arising out of or otherwise related to its insurance policies. Additionally, from time to time the Company may be involved in lawsuits, including class actions, in the ordinary course of business but not arising out of or otherwise related to its insurance policies. These lawsuits are in various stages of development. The Company generally will contest these matters vigorously but may pursue settlement if appropriate. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that any such lawsuit or related lawsuits will be material to its results of operations or have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Additionally, the Company may be impacted by adverse regulatory actions and adverse court decisions where insurance coverages are expanded beyond the scope originally contemplated in its insurance policies. The Company believes that the effects, if any, of such regulatory actions and published court decisions are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

23


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The term “State Auto Financial” as used below refers only to State Auto Financial Corporation and the terms “our Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” as used below refer to State Auto Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term “ second quarter ” as used below refers to the three months ended June 30, for the time period then ended. For a glossary of terms for State Auto Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates and a glossary of selected insurance and accounting terms, see the section entitled “Important Defined Terms Used in this Form 10-K” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “ 2015 Form 10-K”).
The discussion and analysis presented below relates to the material changes in financial condition and results of operations for our consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and for the consolidated statements of income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 . This discussion and analysis should be read together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2015 Form 10-K, and in particular the discussions in those sections thereof entitled “Overview,” “Executive Summary” and “Critical Accounting Policies.” Readers are encouraged to review the entire 2015 Form 10-K, as it includes information regarding our Company not discussed in this Form 10-Q. This information will assist in your understanding of the discussion of our current period financial results.
The discussion and analysis presented below includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe” or “continue” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made available. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. For a discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the 2015 Form 10-K, updated by Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The Company has four reportable segments: personal insurance, business insurance, specialty insurance and investment operations. The reportable insurance segments are business units managed separately because of the differences in the type of customers they serve or products they provide or services they offer. The insurance segments market a broad line of property and casualty insurance products throughout the United States through independent insurance agencies, which include retail agents and wholesale brokers. The personal insurance segment provides primarily personal automobile and homeowners to the personal insurance market. The business insurance segment provides primarily commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril, fire & allied, general liability, and workers' compensation insurance covering small-to-medium sized commercial exposures. The specialty insurance segment provides commercial coverages that require specialized product underwriting, claims handling or risk management services through a distribution channel of retail agents and wholesale brokers, which may include program administrators and other specialty sources. The investment operations segment, managed by Stateco, provides investment services. See “Personal and Business Insurance” and “Specialty Insurance” in Item 1 of the 2015 Form 10-K for more information about our insurance segments. Financial information about our reportable segments for 2016 is set forth in Note 9 of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
  POOLING ARRANGEMENT
The STFC Pooled Companies and the Mutual Pooled Companies participate in a quota share reinsurance pooling arrangement referred to as the “Pooling Arrangement.” Under the Pooling Arrangement, State Auto Mutual assumes premiums, losses and expenses from each of the Pooled Companies and in turn cedes to each of the Pooled Companies a specified portion of premiums, losses and expenses based on each of the Pooled Companies’ respective pooling percentages. State Auto Mutual then retains the balance of the pooled business.

24


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth the participants and their participation percentages in the Pooling Arrangement:
STFC Pooled Companies:
 
State Auto P&C
51.0
%
Milbank
14.0

SA Ohio

Total STFC Pooled Companies
65.0
%
State Auto Mutual Pooled Companies:
 
State Auto Mutual
34.5
%
SA Wisconsin

Meridian Security

Patrons Mutual
0.5

RIC

Plaza

American Compensation

Bloomington Compensation

Total State Auto Mutual Pooled Companies
35.0
%
 
 
 

25


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our pre-tax loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was $25.1 million and $21.3 million , respectively, compared to pre-tax income of $3.4 million and $36.6 million , respectively, for the same 2015 periods. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in losses, both catastrophe and non-catastrophe, when compared to the same 2015 periods. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , we reported net realized gains on investments of $6.5 million and $7.8 million , respectively, compared to $5.4 million and $9.6 million , respectively, for the same 2015 periods.
  The following table sets forth certain key performance indicators we use to monitor our operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions, except per share amounts)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
GAAP Basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
348.5

 
$
337.4

 
$
687.7

 
$
672.3

(Loss) income before federal income taxes
$
(25.1
)
 
$
3.4

 
$
(21.3
)
 
$
36.6

Net (loss) income
$
(24.6
)
 
$
2.7

 
$
(21.6
)
 
$
27.4

Basic (loss) earnings per share
$
(0.59
)
 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
0.67

Diluted (loss) earnings per share
$
(0.59
)
 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
0.66

Stockholders’ equity
$
901.4

 
$
877.5

 
 
 
 
Return on average equity (LTM)
0.3
%
 
12.2
%
 
 
 
 
Book value per share
$
21.69

 
$
21.35

 
 
 
 
Debt to capital ratio
10.0
%
 
10.3
%
 
 
 
 
Cat loss and ALAE ratio
13.1
%
 
11.4
%
 
8.9
%
 
6.4
%
Non-cat loss and LAE ratio
68.4
%
 
60.7
%
 
67.1
%
 
60.5
%
Loss and LAE ratio
81.5
%
 
72.1
%
 
76.0
%
 
66.9
%
Expense ratio
33.2
%
 
34.0
%
 
33.4
%
 
33.4
%
Combined ratio
114.7
%
 
106.1
%
 
109.4
%
 
100.3
%
Premium written growth
1.9
%
 
15.0
%
 
0.6
%
 
15.3
%
Investment yield
3.2
%
 
3.5
%
 
3.0
%
 
3.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SAP Basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cat loss and ALAE ratio
13.1
%
 
11.4
%
 
8.9
%
 
6.4
%
Non-cat loss and ALAE ratio
62.2
%
 
54.2
%
 
60.8
%
 
54.2
%
ULAE ratio
6.4
%
 
6.6
%
 
6.4
%
 
6.5
%
Loss and LAE ratio
81.7
%
 
72.2
%
 
76.1
%
 
67.1
%
Expense ratio
32.4
%
 
33.2
%
 
33.6
%
 
33.6
%
Combined ratio
114.1
%
 
105.4
%
 
109.7
%
 
100.7
%
($ millions)
Twelve months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
Net premiums written to surplus
1.6

 
1.6



26


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Insurance Segments
We measure our top-line growth for our insurance segments based on net written premiums, which provide us with an indication of how well we are doing in terms of revenue growth before it is actually earned. Our policies provide a fixed amount of coverage for a stated period of time, often referred to as the “policy term.” As such, our written premiums are recognized as earned ratably over the policy term. The unearned portion of written premiums, called unearned premiums, is reflected on our balance sheet as a liability and represents our obligation to provide coverage for the unexpired term of the policies.
Insurance industry regulators require our insurance subsidiaries to report their financial condition and results of operations using SAP. We use SAP financial results, along with industry standard financial measures determined on a SAP basis and certain measures determined on a GAAP basis, to internally monitor the performance of our insurance segments and reward our employees.
One of the more significant differences between GAAP and SAP is that SAP requires all underwriting expenses to be expensed immediately and not deferred over the same period that the premium is earned. In converting SAP underwriting results to GAAP underwriting results, acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the periods the related written premiums are earned. For a discussion of deferred acquisition costs, see “Critical Accounting Policies – Deferred Acquisition Costs” section included in Item 7 of our 2015 Form 10-K.
All references to financial measures or components thereof in this discussion are calculated on a GAAP basis, unless otherwise noted.
The following tables set forth our insurance segments’ SAP underwriting gain (loss) and SAP combined ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
Three months ended
 
June 30, 2016
 
Personal
 
%
Ratio
 
Business
 
%
Ratio
 
Specialty
 
%
Ratio
 
Total
 
%
Ratio
Net written premiums
$
155.2

 
 
 
$
121.3

 
 
 
$
69.1

 
 
 
$
345.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
145.2

 
 
 
119.5

 
 
 
57.7

 
 
 
322.4

 
 
Cat loss and ALAE
30.2

 
20.8
 
12.1

 
10.1
 

 
(0.1
)
 
42.3

 
13.1
Non-cat loss and ALAE
86.2

 
59.3
 
67.7

 
56.8
 
46.8

 
80.9

 
200.7

 
62.2
ULAE
9.2

 
6.4
 
7.8

 
6.5
 
3.4

 
5.8

 
20.4

 
6.4
Underwriting expenses
44.7

 
28.8
 
43.5

 
35.9
 
23.8

 
34.3

 
112.0

 
32.4
SAP underwriting loss
 and SAP combined ratio
$
(25.1
)
 
115.3
 
$
(11.6
)
 
109.3
 
$
(16.3
)
 
120.9

 
$
(53.0
)
 
114.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
Three months ended
 
June 30, 2015
 
Personal
 
%
Ratio
 
Business
 
%
Ratio
 
Specialty
 
%
Ratio
 
Total
 
%
Ratio
Net written premiums
$
155.9

 
 
 
$
130.9

 
 
 
$
52.5

 
 
 
$
339.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
148.2

 
 
 
118.8

 
 
 
44.5

 
 
 
311.5

 
 
Cat loss and ALAE
24.4

 
16.5
 
10.9

 
9.2
 
0.2

 
0.3

 
35.5

 
11.4
Non-cat loss and ALAE
77.7

 
52.3
 
66.8

 
56.2
 
24.5

 
55.4

 
169.0

 
54.2
ULAE
11.3

 
7.7
 
7.0

 
5.8
 
2.2

 
5.0

 
20.5

 
6.6
Underwriting expenses
45.0

 
29.0
 
46.9

 
35.7
 
20.6

 
39.2

 
112.5

 
33.2
SAP underwriting loss
 and SAP combined ratio
$
(10.2
)
 
105.5
 
$
(12.8
)
 
106.9
 
$
(3.0
)
 
99.9

 
$
(26.0
)
 
105.4

27


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

($ millions)
Six months ended
 
June 30, 2016
 
Personal
 
%
Ratio
 
Business
 
%
Ratio
 
Specialty
 
%
Ratio
 
Total
 
%
Ratio
Net written premiums
$
290.2

 
 
 
$
230.7

 
 
 
$
129.5

 
 
 
$
650.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
290.8

 
 
 
238.8

 
 
 
112.7

 
 
 
642.3

 
 
Cat loss and ALAE
42.5

 
14.6
 
14.3

 
6.0
 
0.5

 
0.4
 
57.3

 
8.9
Non-cat loss and ALAE
163.4

 
56.2
 
142.2

 
59.6
 
84.6

 
75.1
 
390.2

 
60.8
ULAE
19.7

 
6.8
 
15.8

 
6.6
 
5.8

 
5.1
 
41.3

 
6.4
Underwriting expenses
86.4

 
29.8
 
85.8

 
37.2
 
46.0

 
35.5
 
218.2

 
33.6
SAP underwriting loss
 and SAP combined ratio
$
(21.2
)
 
107.4
 
$
(19.3
)
 
109.4
 
$
(24.2
)
 
116.1
 
$
(64.7
)
 
109.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
Six months ended
 
June 30, 2015
 
Personal
 
%
Ratio
 
Business
 
%
Ratio
 
Specialty
 
%
Ratio
 
Total
 
%
Ratio
Net written premiums
$
293.0

 
 
 
$
246.4

 
 
 
$
106.9

 
 
 
$
646.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned premiums
298.2

 
 
 
236.1

 
 
 
92.5

 
 
 
626.8

 
 
Cat loss and ALAE
27.5

 
9.2
 
12.3

 
5.2
 
0.2

 
0.1
 
40.0

 
6.4
Non-cat loss and ALAE
155.1

 
52.0
 
133.7

 
56.7
 
51.1

 
55.4
 
339.9

 
54.2
ULAE
24.0

 
8.1
 
12.4

 
5.2
 
4.0

 
4.3
 
40.4

 
6.5
Underwriting expenses
84.4

 
28.8
 
90.8

 
36.8
 
42.1

 
39.4
 
217.3

 
33.6
SAP underwriting gain (loss)
 and SAP combined ratio
$
7.2

 
98.1
 
$
(13.1
)
 
103.9
 
$
(4.9
)
 
99.2
 
$
(10.8
)
 
100.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

28


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Personal Insurance Segment
The following table sets forth the net written premiums by major product line of business for our personal insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
Table 1
($ millions)
 
Net Written Premiums
 
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
Personal insurance segment:
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
Personal auto
 
$
85.7

 
$
86.3

 
(0.7
)
 
$
166.2

 
$
168.7

 
(1.5
)
Homeowners
 
60.0

 
60.8

 
(1.3
)
 
106.2

 
107.3

 
(1.0
)
Other personal
 
9.5

 
8.8

 
8.0

 
17.8

 
17.0

 
4.7

Total personal
 
$
155.2

 
$
155.9

 
(0.4
)
 
$
290.2

 
$
293.0

 
(1.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables set forth the SAP loss and ALAE ratios by major product line of business for our personal insurance segment with the catastrophe and non-catastrophe impact shown separately for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
Table 2
Statutory Loss and LAE Ratios
($ millions)
%
Three months ended June 30
Earned Premium
 
Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Statutory Loss & LAE
Cat loss Ratio
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE Ratio
 
Total Loss and LAE Ratio
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal auto
$
82.4

 
$
4.3

 
$
61.8

 
$
66.1

5.2
 
75.0

 
80.2
Homeowners
54.5

 
23.8

 
24.4

 
48.2

43.6
 
44.8

 
88.4
Other personal
8.3

 
2.1

 

 
2.1

25.6
 
(0.1
)
 
25.5
Total personal
145.2

 
30.2

 
86.2

 
116.4

20.8
 
59.3

 
80.1
ULAE

 

 

 
9.2

 

 
6.4
Total Loss and LAE
$
145.2

 
$
30.2

 
$
86.2

 
$
125.6

20.8
 
59.3

 
86.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal auto
$
84.9

 
$
3.7

 
$
56.4

 
$
60.1

4.4
 
66.3

 
70.7
Homeowners
55.2

 
19.4

 
19.2

 
38.6

35.1
 
34.7

 
69.8
Other personal
8.1

 
1.3

 
2.1

 
3.4

16.1
 
26.5

 
42.6
Total personal
148.2

 
24.4

 
77.7

 
102.1

16.5
 
52.3

 
68.8
ULAE

 

 

 
11.3

 

 
7.7
Total Loss and LAE
$
148.2

 
$
24.4

 
$
77.7

 
$
113.4

16.5
 
52.3

 
76.5

29


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Table 3
Statutory Loss and LAE Ratios
($ millions)
%
Six months ended June 30
Earned Premium
 
Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Statutory Loss & LAE
Cat loss Ratio
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE Ratio
 
Total Loss and LAE Ratio
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal auto
$
164.7

 
$
5.6

 
$
117.8

 
$
123.4

3.4
 
71.5
 
74.9
Homeowners
109.5

 
34.4

 
42.5

 
76.9

31.4
 
38.8
 
70.2
Other personal
16.6

 
2.5

 
3.1

 
5.6

15.1
 
18.8
 
33.9
Total personal
290.8

 
42.5

 
163.4

 
205.9

14.6
 
56.2
 
70.8
ULAE

 

 

 
19.7

 
 
6.8
Total Loss and LAE
$
290.8

 
$
42.5

 
$
163.4

 
$
225.6

14.6
 
56.2
 
77.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal auto
$
171.0

 
$
3.7

 
$
111.5

 
$
115.2

2.2
 
65.1
 
67.3
Homeowners
111.1

 
22.4

 
40.1

 
62.5

20.1
 
36.1
 
56.2
Other personal
16.1

 
1.4

 
3.5

 
4.9

9.0
 
21.6
 
30.6
Total personal
298.2

 
27.5

 
155.1

 
182.6

9.2
 
52.0
 
61.2
ULAE

 

 

 
24.0

 
 
8.1
Total Loss and LAE
$
298.2

 
$
27.5

 
$
155.1

 
$
206.6

9.2
 
52.0
 
69.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The personal insurance segment's net written premiums for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 decreased 0.4% and 1.0% , respectively, when compared to the same 2015 periods (Table 1). During the second half of 2015, we implemented various underwriting actions, which included pricing reviews and non-technology process improvements, designed to improve personal lines production and future profitability. While total policies in force continued to decline in the first half of 2016, we believe that these underwriting actions are showing positive results as retention improved, new business policy counts were up, and personal auto and homeowners new business premiums increased in the first half of 2016 when compared to the same 2015 period.
The personal insurance segment's SAP catastrophe loss ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were 20.8% and 14.6% , respectively, compared to 16.5% and 9.2% , respectively, for the same 2015 periods (Tables 2 - 3). Weather events classified as catastrophes during 2016 have generally been more severe than those experienced in 2015. The number of events impacting us in the second quarter of 2016 was less than the same 2015 period, and was approximately the same on a comparative year to date basis. Weather patterns in Texas, primarily wind and hail, accounted for slightly more than half of the personal insurance segment's catastrophe losses.
The personal insurance segment’s SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were 59.3% and 56.2% , respectively, compared to 52.3% and 52.0% , respectively, for the same 2015 periods (Tables 2 - 3). The SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 increased 8.7 points and 6.4 points, respectively, in personal auto and 10.1 points and 2.7 points, respectively, in homeowners, when compared to the same 2015 periods (Tables 2 - 3). Personal auto results were impacted by 5.7 points of prior year adverse development (see the "Loss and LAE Development" section included in this Item 2 for the development of the prior accident years ultimate liability by line of business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 ) attributable to an increased level of bodily injury severity trends which resulted in increases in ultimate loss and ALAE estimates for prior accident years, primarily 2014 and 2015. The personal auto current accident year loss and ALAE estimates reflect the pricing and underwriting actions we have taken in the last twelve months. Homeowners results were impacted by a higher level of large fires losses during the second quarter of 2016 when compared to the same 2015 period.

30


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Business Insurance Segment
The following table sets forth the net written premiums by major product line of business for our business insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
Table 4
($ millions)
 
Net Written Premiums
 
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
Business insurance segment:
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
Commercial auto
 
$
23.8

 
$
29.6

 
(19.6
)
 
$
45.3

 
$
53.0

 
(14.5
)
Commercial multi-peril
 
29.9

 
31.0

 
(3.5
)
 
59.1

 
61.0

 
(3.1
)
Fire & allied lines
 
19.1

 
19.7

 
(3.0
)
 
35.6

 
37.1

 
(4.0
)
Other & product liability
 
20.6

 
22.7

 
(9.3
)
 
36.1

 
40.5

 
(10.9
)
Workers’ compensation
 
23.4

 
23.1

 
1.3

 
46.2

 
46.0

 
0.4

Other commercial
 
4.5

 
4.8

 
(6.3
)
 
8.4

 
8.8

 
(4.5
)
Total business
 
$
121.3

 
$
130.9

 
(7.3
)
 
$
230.7

 
$
246.4

 
(6.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

31


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth the SAP loss and ALAE ratios by major product line of business for our business insurance segment with the catastrophe and non-catastrophe impact shown separately for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
Table 5
Statutory Loss and LAE Ratios
($ millions)
%
Three months ended June 30
Earned Premium
 
Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Statutory Loss & LAE
Cat loss Ratio
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE Ratio
 
Total Loss and LAE Ratio
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial auto
$
24.5

 
$
0.8

 
$
22.2

 
$
23.0

3.2
 
90.1
 
93.3
Commercial multi-peril
29.8

 
5.0

 
14.1

 
19.1

16.6
 
47.7
 
64.3
Fire & allied lines
18.3

 
6.3

 
3.7

 
10.0

34.4
 
20.5
 
54.9
Other & product liability
17.9

 

 
11.4

 
11.4

 
63.5
 
63.5
Workers’ compensation
24.7

 

 
15.3

 
15.3

 
62.2
 
62.2
Other commercial
4.3

 

 
1.0

 
1.0

0.5
 
24.0
 
24.5
Total business
119.5

 
12.1

 
67.7

 
79.8

10.1
 
56.8
 
66.9
ULAE

 

 

 
7.8

 
 
6.5
Total Loss and LAE
$
119.5

 
$
12.1

 
$
67.7

 
$
87.6

10.1
 
56.8
 
73.4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial auto
$
25.2

 
$
0.3

17.0

$
17.9

 
$
18.2

1.4
 
70.8
 
72.2
Commercial multi-peril
30.0

 
4.5

 
16.7

 
21.2

14.8
 
55.9
 
70.7
Fire & allied lines
18.7

 
6.1

 
7.6

 
13.7

32.5
 
40.7
 
73.2
Other & product liability
18.3

 

 
10.6

 
10.6

0.1
 
57.5
 
57.6
Workers’ compensation
22.3

 

 
12.7

 
12.7

 
56.8
 
56.8
Other commercial
4.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

0.7
 
30.8
 
31.5
Total business
118.8

 
10.9

 
66.8

 
77.7

9.2
 
56.2
 
65.4
ULAE

 

 

 
7.0

 
 
5.8
Total Loss and LAE
$
118.8

 
$
10.9

 
$
66.8

 
$
84.7

9.2
 
56.2
 
71.2













32


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Table 6
Statutory Loss and LAE Ratios
($ millions)
%
Six months ended June 30
Earned Premium
 
Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Statutory Loss & LAE
Cat loss Ratio
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE Ratio
 
Total Loss and LAE Ratio
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial auto
$
49.8

 
$
0.9

 
$
39.2

 
$
40.1

1.9
 
78.5
 
80.4
Commercial multi-peril
59.9

 
6.2

 
32.8

 
39.0

10.3
 
54.9
 
65.2
Fire & allied lines
37.0

 
7.2

 
16.0

 
23.2

19.4
 
43.3
 
62.7
Other & product liability
36.0

 

 
22.1

 
22.1

 
61.4
 
61.4
Workers’ compensation
47.7

 

 
29.8

 
29.8

 
62.6
 
62.6
Other commercial
8.4

 

 
2.3

 
2.3

0.1
 
27.5
 
27.6
Total business
238.8

 
14.3

 
142.2

 
156.5

6.0
 
59.6
 
65.6
ULAE

 

 

 
15.8

 
 
6.6
Total Loss and LAE
$
238.8

 
$
14.3

 
$
142.2

 
$
172.3

6.0
 
59.6
 
72.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial auto
$
50.5

 
$
0.3

 
$
34.5

 
$
34.8

0.7
 
68.2
 
68.9
Commercial multi-peril
59.9

 
5.2

 
32.4

 
37.6

8.7
 
54.0
 
62.7
Fire & allied lines
37.5

 
6.8

 
18.0

 
24.8

18.0
 
48.1
 
66.1
Other & product liability
36.1

 

 
20.3

 
20.3

 
56.2
 
56.2
Workers’ compensation
43.5

 

 
26.1

 
26.1

 
60.0
 
60.0
Other commercial
8.6

 

 
2.4

 
2.4

0.3
 
28.6
 
28.9
Total business
236.1

 
12.3

 
133.7

 
146.0

5.2
 
56.7
 
61.9
ULAE

 

 

 
12.4

 
 
5.2
Total Loss and LAE
$
236.1

 
$
12.3

 
$
133.7

 
$
158.4

5.2
 
56.7
 
67.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net written premiums for the business insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 decreased 7.3% and 6.4% , respectively, when compared to the same 2015 periods (Table 4). The decreases were primarily due to (i) our decision to exit our large account business, (ii) changing our regional sales teams due to field restructuring, including staff reductions and reassignment of agency relationships among staff, that was completed during the first quarter 2016, and (iii) rate actions to improve profitability in commercial auto.
The business insurance segment's SAP catastrophe loss ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were 10.1% and 6.0% , respectively, compared to 9.2% and 5.2% , respectively, for the same 2015 periods (Tables 5 - 6). The business insurance segment's SAP catastrophe loss ratios for 2016 were impacted by the same Texas weather events as described in the personal insurance segment discussion above.
The business insurance segment’s SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were 56.8% and 59.6% , respectively, compared to 56.2% and 56.7% , respectively, for the same 2015 periods (Tables 5 - 6). The SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 increased 0.6 points and 2.9 points, respectively, when compared to the same 2015 periods (Tables 5 - 6), primarily due to commercial auto, other & product liability and workers' compensation. The commercial auto ratio increases when compared to the same 2015 periods were attributable to increased bodily injury severity trends which resulted in increases in ultimate loss and ALAE estimates for prior accident years, primarily 2014 and 2015, as well as higher current accident year loss and ALAE estimates. The other & product liability ratio increases when compared to the same 2015 periods were primarily due to less favorable development of prior accident year losses. The workers' compensation ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 reflect increasing indemnity severity trends compared to the same 2015 periods. The indemnity severity trend increases resulted in increases in ultimate loss and ALAE estimates for prior accident years for the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same 2015 period. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, prior accident year ultimate losses and ALAE developed less favorably compared to the same 2015 period.

33


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Somewhat offsetting the increases in the SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same 2015 periods were improvements in commercial-multi peril and fire & allied lines. The improvement in the commercial multi-peril ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was due to adverse development of prior accident year losses in the same 2015 period. The improvement in the fire & allied lines ratios was due to improvement in current accident year loss and ALAE.

34


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Specialty Insurance Segment
Certain business previously included in the programs unit has been reclassified to the E&S property unit. Prior reporting periods have been restated to conform to the new presentation.
The following table sets forth the net written premiums by unit for our specialty insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 .
Table 7
($ millions)
 
Net Written Premiums
 
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
Specialty insurance segment:
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Change
E&S property
 
$
17.5

 
$
17.0

 
2.9
 
$
23.8

 
$
29.4

 
(19.0
)
E&S casualty
 
22.2

 
10.6

 
109.4
 
44.3

 
28.0

 
58.2

Programs
 
29.4

 
24.9

 
18.1
 
61.4

 
49.5

 
24.0

Total specialty
 
$
69.1

 
$
52.5

 
31.6
 
$
129.5

 
$
106.9

 
21.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

35


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth SAP loss and ALAE ratios for our specialty insurance segment with the catastrophe and non-catastrophe impact shown separately for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
Table 8
Statutory Loss and LAE Ratios
($ millions)
%
Three months ended June 30
Earned Premium
 
Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Statutory Loss & LAE
Cat loss Ratio
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE Ratio
 
Total Loss and LAE Ratio
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S property
$
9.9

 
$

 
$
3.8

 
$
3.8

(0.6
)
 
39.2
 
38.6
E&S casualty
20.9

 

 
14.1

 
14.1


 
67.0
 
67.0
Programs
26.9

 

 
28.9

 
28.9


 
106.9
 
106.9
Total specialty
57.7

 

 
46.8

 
46.8

(0.1
)
 
80.9
 
80.8
ULAE

 

 

 
3.4


 
 
5.8
Total Loss and LAE
$
57.7

 
$

 
$
46.8

 
$
50.2

(0.1
)
 
80.9
 
86.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S property
$
12.4

 
$
0.1

 
$
3.0

 
$
3.1

0.6

 
24.4
 
25.0
E&S casualty
10.4

 

 
7.1

 
7.1


 
68.1
 
68.1
Programs
21.7

 
0.1

 
14.4

 
14.5

0.3

 
66.8
 
67.1
Total specialty
44.5

 
0.2

 
24.5

 
24.7

0.3

 
55.4
 
55.7
ULAE

 

 

 
2.2


 
 
5.0
Total Loss and LAE
$
44.5

 
$
0.2

 
$
24.5

 
$
26.9

0.3

 
55.4
 
60.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 9
Statutory Loss and LAE Ratios
($ millions)
%
Six months ended June 30
Earned Premium
 
Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE
 
Statutory Loss & LAE
Cat loss Ratio
 
Non-Cat Loss & ALAE Ratio
 
Total Loss and LAE Ratio
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S property
$
19.7

 
$
0.4

 
$
6.8

 
$
7.2

1.9
 
34.9
 
36.8
E&S casualty
41.1

 

 
26.6

 
26.6

 
64.6
 
64.6
Programs
51.9

 
0.1

 
51.2

 
51.3

0.1
 
98.6
 
98.7
Total specialty
112.7

 
0.5

 
84.6

 
85.1

0.4
 
75.1
 
75.5
ULAE

 

 

 
5.8

 
 
5.1
Total Loss and LAE
$
112.7

 
$
0.5

 
$
84.6

 
$
90.9

0.4
 
75.1
 
80.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S property
$
25.4

 
$
0.1

 
$
6.7

 
$
6.8

0.3
 
26.5
 
26.8
E&S casualty
26.0

 

 
16.1

 
16.1

 
61.9
 
61.9
Programs
41.1

 
0.1

 
28.3

 
28.4

0.1
 
69.0
 
69.1
Total specialty
92.5

 
0.2

 
51.1

 
51.3

0.1
 
55.4
 
55.5
ULAE

 

 

 
4.0

 
 
4.3
Total Loss and LAE
$
92.5

 
$
0.2

 
$
51.1

 
$
55.3

0.1
 
55.4
 
59.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net written premiums for the specialty insurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 increased 31.6% and 21.1% , respectively, compared to the same 2015 periods (Table 7). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the specialty insurance segment was impacted by a correction of reinsurance amounts relating to our reinsurance agreement covering

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

casualty risks within this segment. As a result of this correction, net written and earned premiums were reduced by $7.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, and losses were reduced by $2.1 million.
The increase in net written premiums was driven by growth in the E&S casualty and programs units, including new programs added during the second half of 2015 and growth of existing programs. E&S property net written premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2016 declined $5.6 million or 19.0% compared to the same period in 2015 as continuing intense competition within the catastrophe-exposed property marketplace has contributed to less favorable pricing opportunities.
The specialty insurance segment’s SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were 80.9% and 75.1% , respectively, compared to 55.4% , for each of the same 2015 periods (Tables 8 - 9). The SAP non-catastrophe loss and ALAE ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were impacted by the reinsurance correction (discussed above), which added 1.5 points and 0.8 points, respectively. The programs loss ratio increases were primarily due to (i) higher current accident year losses, and (ii) adverse development of prior accident year losses resulting from increased severity in programs with commercial auto exposures.

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Losses and LAE Development
Losses and loss expenses represent the combined estimated ultimate liability for claims occurring in a period, along with any change in the estimated ultimate liability for claims occurring in prior periods.
The following table sets forth a tabular presentation of the development of the prior accident years ultimate liability by line of business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions)
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
 
Redundancy /(Deficiency)
 
 
 
Redundancy /(Deficiency)
 
 
Non-cat loss and ALAE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal auto
 
$
(4.7
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(4.5
)
 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
0.7

 
$
(8.6
)
Homeowners
 
0.1

 
0.3

 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

 
1.5

 
(1.3
)
Other personal
 
0.5

 
(0.2
)
 
0.7

 
0.1

 
0.4

 
(0.3
)
Personal segment
 
(4.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(7.6
)
 
2.6

 
(10.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial auto
 
(4.7
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(3.7
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(2.9
)
Commercial multi-peril
 
0.2

 
(2.0
)
 
2.2

 
(1.3
)
 
0.1

 
(1.4
)
Fire & allied lines
 
0.1

 
0.4

 
(0.3
)
 
(1.7
)
 
0.2

 
(1.9
)
Other & product liability
 
0.4

 
1.6

 
(1.2
)
 
2.1

 
3.2

 
(1.1
)
Workers' compensation
 
(0.3
)
 
1.5

 
(1.8
)
 
0.6

 
2.4

 
(1.8
)
Other commercial
 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.4

 
0.7

 
(0.3
)
Business segment
 
(4.1
)
 
0.6

 
(4.7
)
 
(4.4
)
 
5.0

 
(9.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E&S property
 
(0.9
)
 
0.6

 
(1.5
)
 
(1.2
)
 
0.5

 
(1.7
)
E&S casualty
 
(1.6
)
 
2.1

 
(3.7
)
 
(2.3
)
 
1.5

 
(3.8
)
Programs
 
(8.7
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(7.8
)
 
(12.6
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(10.0
)
Specialty segment
 
(11.2
)
 
1.8

 
(13.0
)
 
(16.1
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(15.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cat loss and ALAE
 
0.3

 
0.4

 
(0.1
)
 
1.0

 
0.6

 
0.4

ULAE
 
(1.5
)
 
4.0

 
(5.5
)
 
(3.1
)
 
3.7

 
(6.8
)
Total
 
$
(20.6
)
 
$
6.7

 
$
(27.3
)
 
$
(30.2
)
 
$
11.3

 
$
(41.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For further information, see the "Personal Insurance Segment", "Business Insurance Segment" and "Specialty Insurance Segment" discussions included in this Item 2.

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Losses and loss expenses payable
The following table sets forth losses and loss expenses payable by major line of business at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 :
 
($ millions)
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
$ Change
Personal insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Personal auto
$
191.7

 
$
182.1

 
$
9.6

Homeowners
60.8

 
37.2

 
23.6

Other personal
8.5

 
7.7

 
0.8

Total personal
261.0

 
227.0

 
34.0

Business insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial auto
101.6

 
97.1

 
4.5

Commercial multi-peril
119.2

 
109.1

 
10.1

Fire & allied lines
22.9

 
17.4

 
5.5

Other & product liability
166.1

 
161.2

 
4.9

Workers’ compensation
176.8

 
167.3

 
9.5

Other commercial
2.0

 
1.5

 
0.5

Total business
588.6

 
553.6

 
35.0

Specialty insurance segment:
 
 
 
 
 
E&S property
23.2

 
21.4

 
1.8

E&S casualty
112.0

 
96.6

 
15.4

Programs
152.3

 
148.5

 
3.8

Total specialty
287.5

 
266.5

 
21.0

Total losses and loss expenses payable, net of reinsurance
 recoverable on losses and loss expenses payable
$
1,137.1

 
$
1,047.1

 
$
90.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss expenses payable increased $90.0 million since December 31, 2015 , primarily due to (i) increased bodily injury severity trends which resulted in increases in ultimate loss and ALAE estimates for prior accident years in personal auto, commercial auto and programs with auto exposures, (ii) seasonality of weather related catastrophe losses, and (iii) exposure growth in workers' compensation, E&S casualty and programs.
We conduct quarterly reviews of loss development reports and make judgments in determining the reserves for ultimate losses and loss expenses payable. Several factors are considered by us when estimating ultimate liabilities, including consistency in relative case reserve adequacy, consistency in claims settlement practices, recent legal developments, historical data, actuarial projections, accounting projections, exposure changes, anticipated inflation, current business conditions, catastrophe developments, late reported claims, and other reasonableness tests.
The risks and uncertainties inherent in our estimates include, but are not limited to, actual settlement experience different from historical data, trends, changes in business and economic conditions, court decisions creating unanticipated liabilities, ongoing interpretation of policy provisions by the courts, inconsistent decisions in lawsuits regarding coverage and additional information discovered before settlement of claims. Our results of operations and financial condition could be impacted, perhaps significantly, in the future if the ultimate payments required for claims settlement vary from the liability currently recorded. For a discussion of our reserving methodologies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Losses and Loss Expenses Payable” in Item 7 of the 2015 Form 10-K.

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Acquisition and Operating Expenses
Our GAAP acquisition and operating expense ratios were 33.2% and 33.4% , respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to 34.0% and 33.4% , respectively, for the same 2015 periods. The ratio decreased 0.8 points for the three months ended June 30, 2016, when compared to the same 2015 period, primarily due to decreases in personnel costs and incentive compensation.
Investment Operations Segment
Our investments in fixed maturities, equity securities and certain other invested assets are reported as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. The unrealized holding gains or losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income and as such are not included in the determination of net income.
We have investment policy guidelines with respect to purchasing fixed maturity investments for our insurance subsidiaries which preclude investments in bonds that are rated below investment grade by a recognized rating service at the time of purchase. Our fixed maturity portfolio is composed of high quality, investment grade issues, consisting primarily of debt issues rated AAA, AA or A. We obtain investment ratings from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. If there is a split rating, we assign the lowest rating obtained. At June 30, 2016 , there were two fixed maturity investments rated below investment grade in our available-for-sale investment portfolio.
For further discussion regarding the management of our investment portfolio, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Investment Operations Segment” in Item 7 of the 2015 Form 10-K.
Composition of Investment Portfolio
The following table sets forth the composition of our investment portfolio at carrying value at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 :
 
($ millions)
June 30, 2016
 
% of Total
 
December 31, 2015
 
% of Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
53.0

 
2.0
 
$
58.1

 
2.3
Fixed maturities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
1,977.8

 
75.0
 
1,856.7

 
73.4
Treasury inflation-protected securities
145.6

 
5.5
 
144.0

 
5.7
Total fixed maturities
2,123.4

 
80.5
 
2,000.7

 
79.1
Notes receivable from affiliate (a)
70.0

 
2.7
 
70.0

 
2.8
Equity securities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
228.1

 
8.6
 
241.0

 
9.5
Small-cap securities
72.6

 
2.8
 
69.6

 
2.8
Total equity securities
300.7

 
11.4
 
310.6

 
12.3
Other invested assets, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International funds
76.6

 
2.9
 
77.0

 
3.0
Other invested assets
8.7

 
0.3
 
8.1

 
0.3
Total other invested assets, at fair value
85.3

 
3.2
 
85.1

 
3.3
Other invested assets, at cost
5.3

 
0.2
 
5.3

 
0.2
Total portfolio
$
2,637.7

 
100.0
 
$
2,529.8

 
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
In May 2009, we entered into two separate Credit Agreements with State Auto Mutual. Under these Credit Agreements, State Auto Mutual borrowed a total of $70.0 million from us on an unsecured basis. Interest is payable semi-annually at a fixed annual interest rate of 7.00%. Principal is payable May 2019.

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities by contractual maturity at June 30, 2016 :
 
($ millions)
Amortized cost
 
Fair
value
Due in 1 year or less
$
36.6

 
$
37.1

Due after 1 year through 5 years
511.7

 
528.5

Due after 5 years through 10 years
270.7

 
282.5

Due after 10 years
632.5

 
672.5

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
578.4

 
602.8

Total
$
2,029.9

 
$
2,123.4

 
 
 
 
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities as the issuers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The duration of the fixed maturity portfolio was approximately 4.30 and 4.85 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.
Investment Operations Revenue
The following table sets forth the components of net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
 
($ millions)
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
June 30
 
June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Gross investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
16.7

 
$
17.4

 
$
31.6

 
$
30.3

Equity securities
1.5

 
1.7

 
3.0

 
3.3

Other
1.3

 
1.3

 
2.7

 
2.7

Total gross investment income
19.5

 
20.4

 
37.3

 
36.3

Less: Investment expenses
0.4

 
0.6

 
0.8

 
1.1

Net investment income
$
19.1

 
$
19.8

 
$
36.5

 
$
35.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average invested assets (at cost)
$
2,406.8

 
$
2,273.2

 
$
2,394.6

 
$
2,246.2

Annualized investment yield
3.2
%
 
3.5
%
 
3.0
%
 
3.1
%
Annualized investment yield, after tax
2.4
%
 
2.7
%
 
2.3
%
 
2.4
%
Net investment income, after tax
$
14.3

 
$
15.1

 
$
27.6

 
$
27.3

Effective tax rate
25.3
%
 
23.7
%
 
24.4
%
 
22.3
%

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth realized gains and the proceeds received from the sale of our investment portfolio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ in millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Realized gains (losses)
 
Proceeds received on sale
 
Realized gains (losses)
 
Proceeds received on sale
 
Realized gains (losses)
 
Proceeds received on sale
 
Realized gains (losses)
 
Proceeds received on sale
Realized gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
0.6

 
$
50.6

 
$
0.4

 
$
6.4

 
$
2.1

 
$
126.4

 
$
1.5

 
$
68.9

Equity securities
6.6

 
40.1

 
5.9

 
16.1

 
10.7

 
60.5

 
10.0

 
35.1

Other invested assets
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.4

 
0.1

 
0.3

Total realized gains
7.3

 
90.9

 
6.4

 
22.7

 
12.9

 
187.3

 
11.6

 
104.3

Realized losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
(0.2
)
 
1.3

 
(0.2
)
 
2.2

 
(0.8
)
 
4.5

 
(0.7
)
 
4.7

OTTI
(0.6
)
 

 
(0.8
)
 

 
(2.0
)
 

 
(1.3
)
 

Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTTI

 

 

 

 
(2.3
)
 

 

 

Total realized losses
(0.8
)
 
1.3

 
(1.0
)
 
2.2

 
(5.1
)
 
4.5

 
(2.0
)
 
4.7

Net realized gains on investments
$
6.5

 
$
92.2

 
$
5.4

 
$
24.9

 
$
7.8

 
$
191.8

 
$
9.6

 
$
109.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains increased $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same 2015 period, primarily due to gains realized from sales of equity securities. Net realized gains decreased $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same 2015 period, primarily due to OTTI recognized on our fixed maturity portfolio.
When a fixed maturity security has been determined to have an other-than-temporary decline in fair value, the impairment charge is separated into an amount representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the amount related to non-credit factors, which is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Investments” included in Item 7 of the 2015 Form 10-K for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) indicators. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. We did not recognize any OTTI on our fixed maturity portfolio for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and we recognized $2.3 million of OTTI on our fixed maturity portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2016 . We did not recognize any OTTI on our fixed maturity portfolio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 .
When an equity security or other invested asset has been determined to have a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary, we adjust the cost basis of the security to fair value. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Investments” included in Item 7 of the 2015 Form 10-K for OTTI impairment indicators. This results in a charge to earnings as a realized loss, which is not reversed for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

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Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth the realized losses related to OTTI on our investment portfolio recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :
($ millions, except # of positions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Number of positions
 
Total impairment
 
Number of positions
 
Total impairment
 
Number of positions
 
Total impairment
 
Number of positions
 
Total impairment
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities

 
$

 

 
$

 
1

 
$
(0.2
)
 

 
$

Small-cap securities
4

 
(0.6
)
 
7

 
(0.8
)
 
14

 
(1.8
)
 
14

 
(1.3
)
Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 
1

 
(2.3
)
 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairments
4

 
$
(0.6
)
 
7

 
$
(0.8
)
 
16

 
$
(4.3
)
 
14

 
$
(1.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
Based upon our review of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2016 , we determined that there were no individual investments with an unrealized holding loss that had a fair value significantly below cost continually for more than one year. The following table sets forth detailed information on our available-for-sale investment portfolio by lot at fair value for our gross unrealized holding gains (losses) at June 30, 2016 :
($ millions, except # of positions)
Cost or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized holding gains
 
Number of gain positions
 
Gross unrealized holding
losses
 
Number of loss positions
 
Fair value
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies
$
229.3

 
$
14.5

 
38

 
$
(0.5
)
 
2

 
$
243.3

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
691.5

 
42.9

 
197

 

 

 
734.4

Corporate securities
530.7

 
14.5

 
83

 
(2.3
)
 
11

 
542.9

U.S. government agencies mortgage-backed securities
578.4

 
25.1

 
82

 
(0.7
)
 
13

 
602.8

Total fixed maturities
2,029.9

 
97.0

 
400

 
(3.5
)
 
26

 
2,123.4

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-cap securities
198.5

 
33.9

 
43

 
(4.3
)
 
18

 
228.1

Small-cap securities
55.0

 
17.7

 
69

 
(0.1
)
 
1

 
72.6

Total equity securities
253.5

 
51.6

 
112

 
(4.4
)
 
19

 
300.7

Other invested assets
57.2

 
28.1

 
2

 

 

 
85.3

Total available-for-sale investments
$
2,340.6

 
$
176.7

 
514

 
$
(7.9
)
 
45

 
$
2,509.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

43


Table of Contents
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

The following table sets forth our unrealized holding gains by investment type, net of deferred tax that was included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and the change in unrealized holding gains, net of deferred tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2016 :
($ millions)
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
$
Change
Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
93.5

 
$
27.8

 
$
65.7

Equity securities
47.2

 
45.4

 
1.8

Other invested assets
28.1

 
28.2

 
(0.1
)
Unrealized gains
168.8

 
101.4

 
67.4

Net deferred federal income tax liability
(56.5
)
 
(32.9
)
 
(23.6
)
Unrealized gains, net of tax
$
112.3

 
$
68.5

 
$
43.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
We primarily use one independent nationally recognized pricing service in developing fair value estimates. We obtain one price per security, and our processes and control procedures are designed to ensure the value is accurately recorded on an unadjusted basis. Through discussions with the pricing service, we gain an understanding of the methodologies used to price the different types of securities, that the data and the valuation methods utilized are appropriate and consistently applied, and that the assumptions are reasonable and representative of fair value. To validate the reasonableness of the valuations obtained from the pricing service, we compare to other fair value pricing information gathered from other independent pricing sources. See Note 3, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for a presentation of our available-for-sale investments within the fair value hierarchy at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 .
As of June 30, 2016 , Level 3 assets as a percentage of total assets were 0.1% which we have determined to be insignificant.
Other Items
Income Taxes
The following table sets forth the components of our federal income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
 
($ millions)
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
(Loss) income before federal income taxes
$
(25.1
)
 
$
3.4

 
$
(21.3
)
 
$
36.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current tax expense

 
0.2

 

 
0.6

Deferred tax (benefit) expense
(0.5
)
 
0.5

 
0.3

 
8.6

Total federal income tax (benefit) expense
(0.5
)
 
0.7

 
0.3

 
9.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(24.6
)
 
$
2.7

 
$
(21.6
)
 
$
27.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 reflect the impact of a correction of prior period deferred tax expense related to expired stock options. As a result of the correction, deferred federal income tax expense and additional paid-in-capital were reduced by $1.6 million , respectively.
Effective tax rates were 1.7 % and (1.6)% , respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 20.1 % and 25.1% , respectively, for the same 2015 periods. See Note 5 of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
General
Liquidity refers to our ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet our short- and long-term needs. Our primary sources of cash are premiums, investment income, investment sales and the maturity of fixed income security investments. The significant outflows of cash are payments of claims, commissions, premium taxes, operating expenses, income taxes, dividends, interest and principal payments on debt and investment purchases. The cash outflows may vary due to uncertainties regarding settlement of large losses or catastrophic events. As a result, we continually monitor our investment and reinsurance programs to ensure they are appropriately structured to enable the insurance subsidiaries to meet anticipated short-term and long-term cash requirements without the need to sell investments to meet fluctuations in claim payments.
Liquidity
Our insurance subsidiaries must have adequate liquidity to ensure that their cash obligations are met. However, as discussed below, the STFC Pooled Companies do not have the day-to-day liquidity concerns normally associated with an insurance company due to their participation in, and the terms of, the Pooling Arrangement. In addition, State Auto P&C’s $100.0 million credit facility is available for general corporate purposes such as funding liquidity needs.  See “Borrowing Arrangements - Credit Facility” included in this Item 2.
Under the terms of the Pooling Arrangement, State Auto Mutual receives all premiums and pays all losses and expenses associated with the insurance business produced by the STFC Pooled Companies and the other pool participants, and then it settles the intercompany balances generated by these transactions with the pool participants within 60 days following each quarter end. We believe this provides State Auto Mutual with sufficient liquidity to pay losses and expenses of our insurance operations on a timely basis. When settling the intercompany balances, State Auto Mutual provides the pool participants with full credit for the premiums written net of losses paid during the quarter, retaining all receivable amounts from insureds and agents and reinsurance recoverable on paid losses from unaffiliated reinsurers. Any receivable amounts that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off by State Auto Mutual and allocated to the pool participant on the basis of its pooling percentage.
As a result of the Pooling Arrangement, we have an off-balance sheet credit risk related to the balances due to State Auto Mutual from insureds, agents and reinsurers, which are offset by the unearned premiums from the respective policies. While the total amount due to State Auto Mutual from policyholders and agents is significant, the individual amounts due are relatively small at the policyholder and agency level. Based on historical data, this credit risk exposure is not considered to be material to our financial position, though the impact to income on a quarterly basis may be material. The State Auto Group mitigates its exposure to this credit risk through its in-house collections unit for both personal and commercial accounts which is supplemented by third party collection service providers. The amounts deemed uncollectible by State Auto Mutual and allocated to the STFC Pooled Companies are included in the other expenses line item in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
We generally manage our cash flows through current operational activity and maturing investments, without a need to liquidate any of our other investments; however, should our written premiums decline or paid losses increase significantly, or a combination thereof, we may need to liquidate investments at losses in order to meet our cash obligations. This action was not necessary for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 .
We maintain a portion of our investment portfolio in relatively short-term and highly liquid investments to ensure the immediate availability of funds to pay claims and expenses. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had $ 53.0 million and $ 58.1 million , respectively, in cash and cash equivalents, and $ 2,509.4 million and $ 2,396.4 million , respectively, of total available-for-sale investments. Our fixed maturities available-for-sale included $9.3 million and $8.8 million of securities on deposit with insurance regulators as required by law at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ; in addition, substantially all of our fixed maturity and equity securities are traded on public markets. For a further discussion regarding investments, see “Investments Operations Segment” included in this Item 2.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $ 44.5 million and $ 62.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included a return of $63.5 million of premiums due to the expiration of the homeowners quota share reinsurance arrangement ("HO QS Arrangement") at December 31, 2014. Net cash from operations will vary from period to period if there are significant changes in underwriting results, primarily a combination of the level of premiums written and loss and loss expenses paid, changes in cash flows from investment income or federal income tax activity.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Net cash used in investing activities was $ 44.7 million and $91.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The change was primarily due to the reinvestment of the premiums received from the expiration of the HO QS Arrangement during the six months ended June 30, 2015.
Net cash used in financing activities was $ 4.9 million and $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The decrease year over year was primarily driven by stock option exercises and vesting of restricted shares.
Borrowing Arrangements
Credit Facility
State Auto P&C has a $100.0 million five-year revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") maturing in July 2018 with a syndicate of lenders. During the term of the Credit Facility, State Auto P&C has the right to increase the total facility to a maximum amount of $150.0 million, provided that no event of default has occurred and is continuing. The Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes and provides for interest-only payments during its term, with principal and interest due in full at maturity. Interest is based on LIBOR or a base rate plus a calculated margin amount. All advances under the Credit Facility are to be fully secured by a pledge of specific investment securities of State Auto P&C. The Credit Facility includes certain covenants and requirements, including financial requirements that State Auto Financial maintain a minimum net worth and a certain debt to capitalization ratio. As of June 30, 2016 , State Auto P&C had not made any borrowings under the Credit Facility and State Auto P&C and State Auto Financial were in compliance with all covenants and requirements of the Credit Facility.
FHLB Loan
State Auto P&C has outstanding an $85.0 million loan from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati ("FHLB loan"). The FHLB Loan is a 20-year term loan, callable after three years with no prepayment penalty thereafter. The FHLB Loan provides for interest-only payments during its term, with principal due in full at maturity. The interest rate is fixed over the term of the loan at 5.03% . The FHLB Loan is fully secured by a pledge of specific investment securities of State Auto P&C.
Subordinated Debentures
State Auto Financial’s Delaware business trust subsidiary (the “Capital Trust”) has outstanding $15.0 million liquidation amount of capital securities, due 2033. In connection with the Capital Trust’s issuance of the capital securities and the related purchase by State Auto Financial of all of the Capital Trust’s common securities (liquidation amount of $0.5 million), State Auto Financial has issued to the Capital Trust $15.5 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2033 (the “Subordinated Debentures”). The sole assets of the Capital Trust are the Subordinated Debentures and any interest accrued thereon. Interest on the Capital Trust’s capital and common securities is payable quarterly at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 4.20%, adjusted quarterly. The applicable interest rates for June 30, 2016 and 2015 were 4.87% and 4.48% , respectively.
Reinsurance Arrangements
Members of the State Auto Group follow the customary industry practice of reinsuring a portion of their exposures and paying to the reinsurers a portion of the premiums received. Insurance is ceded principally to reduce net liability on individual risks or for individual loss occurrences, including catastrophic losses. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge the individual members of the State Auto Group from primary liability for the full amount of limits applicable under their policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer liable to the extent of the reinsurance ceded.
To minimize the risk of reinsurer default, the State Auto Group cedes only to third-party reinsurers who are rated A- or better by A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s and also utilizes both domestic and international markets to diversify its credit risk. We utilize reinsurance to limit our loss exposure and contribute to our liquidity and capital resources.
Each member of the State Auto Group is party to working reinsurance treaties for casualty, workers’ compensation and property lines with several reinsurers arranged through reinsurance intermediaries. We have also secured other reinsurance to limit the net cost of large loss events for certain types of coverage. The State Auto Group also makes use of facultative reinsurance for unique risk situations. The State Auto Group also participates in state insurance pools and associations. In general, these pools and associations are state sponsored and/or operated, impose mandatory participation by insurers doing business in that state, and offer coverage for hard-to-place risks at premium rates established by the state sponsor or operator, thereby transferring risk of loss to the participating insurers in exchange for premiums which may not be commensurate with the risk assumed.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Certain of our reinsurance agreements are described below. The rates for these reinsurance agreements are negotiated annually. For a discussion of our other reinsurance arrangements see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Reinsurance Arrangements” in Item 7 of the 2015 Form 10-K.
Property Catastrophe
Members of the State Auto Group maintain a property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance agreement, covering property catastrophe related events affecting at least two risks. As of June 1, 2016, this property catastrophe reinsurance agreement renewed. Under this reinsurance agreement, we retain the first $55.0 million of catastrophe loss, each occurrence, with a 5.0% co-participation on the next $285.0 million of covered loss, each occurrence. The reinsurers are responsible for 95.0% of the excess over $55.0 million up to $340.0 million of covered losses, each occurrence. Under this reinsurance agreement, the State Auto Group is responsible for losses above $340.0 million.
The State Auto Group also maintains a separate property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance agreement covering the specialty insurance segment's E&S property and programs units catastrophe related events affecting at least two risks. Under this reinsurance agreement, the State Auto Group retains the $30.0 million of catastrophe loss, each occurrence, with no co-participation on the next $25.0 million of covered loss, each occurrence.
Property Per Risk
As of June 1, 2016, the State Auto Group renewed the property per risk excess of loss reinsurance agreement. This reinsurance agreement provides that the State Auto Group is responsible for the first $3.0 million of losses, subject to an additional $2.0 million annual aggregate deductible ("AAD"). The reinsurers are responsible for 100.0% of the loss excess of the $3.0 million retention and $2.0 million AAD for property business up to $20.0 million of covered loss.
Casualty and Workers’ Compensation
As of July 1, 2016, the State Auto Group renewed our casualty excess of loss reinsurance agreement. Under this reinsurance agreement, the State Auto Group is responsible for the first $2.0 million of losses that involve workers' compensation, auto liability, other liability and umbrella liability policies, subject to an additional $2.0 million AAD. This reinsurance agreement provides coverage up to $10.0 million, except for umbrella policies which are covered for limits up to $15.0 million. E&S casualty and programs units risks are not subject to this casualty excess of loss reinsurance agreement.
Also, certain unusual claim situations involving extra contractual obligations, excess of policy limits, LAE coverage and multiple policy or coverage loss occurrences arising from bodily injury liability, property damage, uninsured motorist and personal injury protection are covered by a Clash reinsurance agreement that provides for $30.0 million of coverage in excess of $10.0 million retention for each loss occurrence. This reinsurance coverage sits above the $8.0 million excess of $2.0 million arrangement. Policies underwritten by the E&S casualty and programs units are not subject to this casualty excess of loss reinsurance agreement.
In addition, each company in the State Auto Group is party to a workers’ compensation catastrophe reinsurance agreement that provides additional reinsurance coverage for workers’ compensation losses involving multiple workers. Subject to $10.0 million of retention, reinsurers are responsible for 100.0% of the excess over $10.0 million up to $30.0 million of covered loss. For loss amounts over $30.0 million, the casualty excess of loss reinsurance agreement provides $20.0 million coverage in excess of $30.0 million. Workers’ compensation catastrophe coverage is subject to a “Maximum Any One Life” limitation of $10.0 million. This limitation means that losses associated with each worker may contribute no more than $10.0 million to covered loss under these agreements.
As of July 1, 2016, the State Auto Group restructured its reinsurance agreement for E&S casualty and programs unit casualty risks. Under this reinsurance agreement, the State Auto Group is responsible for the first $2.0 million of losses. This reinsurance agreement provides 100.0% coverage up to $9.0 million excess of $2.0 million for any one insured, all policies, and $14.0 million excess of $11.0 million for Clash only coverage.
Regulatory Considerations
At June 30, 2016 , all of our insurance subsidiaries were in compliance with statutory requirements relating to capital adequacy.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

ADOPTION OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
The amendments in this guidance simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring them to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related recognized debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. We adopted this guidance at January 1, 2016 on a retrospective basis and it resulted in a  $0.3 million decrease to notes payable and accrued investment income and other assets at December 31, 2015.
Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)
The amendments in this guidance remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We adopted this guidance at January 1, 2016 and it did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
CREDIT AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS
There were no changes to our credit or financial strength ratings during the second quarter of 2016.
MARKET RISK
With respect to Market Risk, see the discussion regarding this subject at “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Investment Operations Segment – Market Risk” in Item 7 of the 2015 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from the information reported regarding Market Risk in the 2015 Form 10-K.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk
The information called for by this item is provided in this Form 10-Q under the caption “Market Risk” under Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
With the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, our management has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report:
1.
Information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission;
2.
Information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and
3.
Our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely making known to them material information required to be included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, nor is it likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
None.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in the 2015 Form 10-K under Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
 
Description of Exhibits
 
 
 
3.01

 
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of State Auto Financial Corporation
 
 
 
10.01

 
Amendment No. 4 to the 2009 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan of State Auto Financial Corporation
 
 
 
10.02

 
2016 Outside Directors Restricted Share Unit Plan of State Auto Financial Corporation
 
 
 
10.03

 
One Team Incentive Plan of State Auto Financial Corporation
 
 
 
10.04

 
Executive Change of Control Agreement dated December 1, 2015, among State Auto Financial Corporation, State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company, State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company and Kim B. Garland
 
 
 
31.01

 
CEO certification required by Section 302 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
31.02

 
CFO certification required by Section 302 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
32.01

 
CEO certification required by Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
32.02

 
CFO certification required by Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
101.INS

 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF

 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 

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STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a majority-owned subsidiary of State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company)
 

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
State Auto Financial Corporation
 
 
Date: August 8, 2016
/s/ Steven E. English
 
Steven E. English
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and
 
Principal Financial Officer)

52



Exhibit 3.01


SECOND AMENDMENT
TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CODE OF REGULATIONS
OF
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
ARTICLE 10
Forum for Adjudication of Disputes
Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s shareholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of Chapter 1701 of the Ohio Revised Code or the articles or these regulations, or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be (i) the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio, or (ii) if that court does not have jurisdiction, then the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division sitting in Columbus, Ohio, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants.





Exhibit 10.01

STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AMENDMENT NO. 4
TO THE
2009 EQUITY INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

The 2009 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is hereby amended pursuant to the following provisions:
1.     Definitions : For the purposes of the Plan and this amendment, all capitalized terms used in this amendment which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings given such terms in the Plan.
2.     Additional Shares : Subject to shareholder approval, the first paragraph of Section 4. of the Plan is hereby amended by adding a new last sentence to read as follows:
“In addition to the 1,000,000 Shares added to the Plan by Amendment No. 2, and subject to shareholder approval and effective upon such approval, an additional 2,000,000 Shares shall be authorized for Awards granted under the Plan.”
3.     Performance Goals :    
(a) Subject to shareholder approval, the second sentence of Section 8.(A)(2) of the Plan is hereby amended to add a new performance goal and read, in its entirety, as follows:
“The Performance Goals shall be determined by the Committee using such measures of the performance of the Company over the Performance Period as the Committee shall select, including, without limitation, earnings, return on capital, revenue, premiums, net income, earnings per share, combined ratio, loss ratio, expense ratio, assets, equity, cash flows, stock price, total shareholders’ return, policies in force , or any other performance goal approved by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with Code Section 162(m).” (new language underlined)
(b) Subject to shareholder approval, a new last sentence is hereby added to the end of Section 8.(A)(2) of the Plan to read as follows:
“For purposes of the Plan, “policies in force” means, as of the applicable measurement date, the active policies underwritten by the Company’s Personal and Business (including workers’ compensation) Insurance Segments.”
4.     Effective Date; Construction : This amendment shall be deemed to be a part of the Plan as of the shareholder approval date. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of the Plan and this amendment, the provisions of this amendment shall control. Except as modified by this amendment, the Plan, as previously amended, shall continue in full force and effect without change.

/s/ Melissa A. Centers
 
8/2/2016
Date





Exhibit 10.02

STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION

OUTSIDE DIRECTORS RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT PLAN
Background Information
The directors and shareholders of State Auto Financial Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “ Company ”), desire to adopt a renewed version of the Company’s Outside Directors Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “ Plan ”) in order to continue to align and strengthen the interests of Outside Directors with the interests of the Company’s shareholders. The Company originally adopted an Outside Directors Restricted Share Unit Plan, subject to shareholder approval, on May 11, 2005, which such plan expired on May 31, 2015.
The Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”) and the regulations applicable to the same. To the extent inconsistent with Code Section 409A or regulations issued thereunder, this Plan shall be amended to conform to such requirements within applicable time limitations established by the IRS.
DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
Definitions . For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below. Other capitalized terms used in the Plan shall be defined as set forth in the Plan.
Account . The bookkeeping account described in Section 3.2 under which benefits and earnings are credited on behalf of a Participant.
Administrative Committee . The Compensation Committee of the Board or such other individuals designated by the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, to oversee the administration of the Plan. Such designees, if any, may include employees of the Company and shall be the Plan’s “ Administrator ”.
Award . An award of Restricted Share Units under the Plan.
Beneficiary . The person(s) (including a trust) entitled to receive any distribution hereunder upon the death of a Participant. The Beneficiary for benefits payable under this Plan shall be the beneficiary designated by the Participant in accordance with procedures established by the Administrator as of the Participant’s date of death, or, in the absence of any such designation, the Participant’s estate.
Board . The Board of Directors of the Company.
(f)
Common Shares . The common shares, without par value, of the Company.
(g)
Disability . Permanent and total disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3).
(h)
Distribution Options . An immediate, single lump sum payment, or annual installment payments over a period of five (5) or ten (10) years. In the absence of an election by the Participant, the default shall be an immediate single lump sum.
(i)
Form of Payment Options . The form of payment of distributions of Restricted Share Units, which shall be either in cash or Common Shares.
(j)
Outside Director . Any non-employee member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(k)
Participant . Any Outside Director who meets the eligibility requirements for participation in the Plan as set forth in Article II and who receives an Award under the Plan.
(l)
Plan Year . The fiscal year of the Plan, which is the twelve (12) consecutive month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31; provided, however, the first Plan Year shall begin on the Effective Date (as defined in Section 8.9) and end on December 31, 2016.





(m)
Payment Processing Date . The dates of March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31 of each Plan Year.
General Provisions . The masculine wherever used herein shall include the feminine; singular and plural forms are interchangeable. Certain terms of more limited application have been defined in the provisions to which they are principally applicable. The division of the Plan into Articles and Sections with captions is for convenience only and is not to be taken as limiting or extending the meaning of any of its provisions.
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
General Eligibility Conditions . All Outside Directors are eligible to receive Awards under the Plan. However, in order to receive a benefit under the Plan, a Participant must meet the requirements of Sections 2.2 and 2.3.
Specific Conditions for Active Participation . To participate actively in the Plan, a Participant must execute or acknowledge a Restricted Share Unit Agreement (“ Agreement ”) as described in Section 3.3 and comply with such other procedures as may be established by the Administrator from time to time. A Participant’s Agreement shall be maintained by the Administrator, on behalf of the Administrative Committee, and must be executed, acknowledged, and filed as of the date of grant or at such other time as may be required by regulations issued under Code Section 409A.
Termination of Participation . Once an Outside Director becomes a Participant, such individual shall continue to be a Participant until such individual (a) ceases to qualify as an Outside Director, and (b) ceases to have any vested interest in the Plan (as a result of distributions made to such Participant or his Beneficiary, if applicable, or otherwise).
RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
Awards of Restricted Share Units . Promptly following each annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company on and after the Effective Date, each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an Award of restricted share units (“ Restricted Share Units ”), in such number as determined by the Administrative Committee in accordance with Section 6.2, for prospective service to be rendered. Except for the elections which may be made by each Participant as provided in the Plan, the terms of each annual Award of Restricted Share Units shall be the same with respect to each Participant. In addition, an Outside Director elected or appointed to the Board other than in connection with an annual meeting of shareholders shall be granted, at the time of such election or appointment, an Award of Restricted Share Units equal to the number of Restricted Share Units that was granted to each Outside Director following the preceding annual meeting of shareholders, prorated based upon the number of anticipated days to the next annual meeting of shareholders. The Company will credit the number of Restricted Share Units awarded for each Plan Year to the Participant’s Account. If an Organic Change occurs, then the number of Restricted Share Units to be awarded to Participants as an annual Award shall be adjusted consistent with such Organic Change.
Record of Account . Solely for the purpose of measuring the amount of the Company’s obligations to each Participant or his beneficiary(ies) under the Plan, the Administrator will maintain a separate bookkeeping record, an Account, for each Participant in the Plan that shall reflect the fair market value of the Account.
Subject to the provisions of this Article III, on the date when the Restricted Share Units to be credited to the Participant are allocated to his Account, the Administrator will credit to a separate sub-account a number of hypothetical Common Shares (and fractions thereof) having a Value equal to the Restricted Share Units. For purposes of this Plan, the “ Value ” of a Common Share on a particular day shall mean: (a) the last reported sale price of a Common Share on the Nasdaq National Market System on the most recent previous trading day (or if there was no trading in the Common Shares on that day, then on the next preceding trading day in which there was trading in the Common Shares), or (b) the mean between the high and low bid and ask price of a Common Share as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers on the most recent previous trading day, or (c) the last reported sale price of a Common Share on any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed on the most recent previous trading day (or if there was no trading in the Common Shares on that day, then on the next preceding trading day on which there was trading in the Common Shares). By way of example and for illustration purposes only, if the Payment Processing Date is December 31, the Value of a Common Share under option (a) above is determined on December 30.
If any Organic Change shall occur, then the Participant’s Account shall be adjusted so as to contain a Value equivalent to such shares of stock, securities or assets (including cash) as would have been issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for the number of Common Shares credited thereto immediately before such Organic Change, if such Common Shares had been outstanding. An “ Organic Change ” means the following: (a) a recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, or merger of the Company, or any sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to another person or entity, or any other transaction which is effected in such a way that holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive (either directly or upon subsequent liquidation) other stock, securities, or assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares; or (b) a change in the Company’s





outstanding Common Shares by reason of stock splits, stock dividends, or any other increase or reduction of the number of outstanding Common Shares without receiving consideration in the form of money, services, or property deemed appropriate by the Board.
The Account of a Participant (as of the Dividend Payment Date), shall be credited with such earnings (or losses) consisting solely of dividend equivalent credits pursuant to this paragraph. Whenever a dividend or other distribution is made with respect to the Common Shares, then the Account of a Participant (as of the Dividend Payment Date) shall be credited, on the payment date for such dividend or other distribution (the “ Dividend Payment Date ”), with a number of additional Common Shares having a Value, as of the Dividend Payment Date, based upon the number of Common Shares deemed to be held in the Participant’s Account as of the record date for such dividend or other distribution (the “ Dividend Record Date ”), if such Common Shares were outstanding. If such dividend or other distribution is in the form of cash, the number of Common Shares so credited shall be a number of Common Shares (and fractions thereof) having a Value, as of the Dividend Payment Date, equal to the amount of cash that would have been distributed with respect to the Common Shares deemed to be held in the Participant’s Account as of the Dividend Record Date, if such Common Shares were outstanding. If such dividend or other distribution is in the form of Common Shares, the number of Common Shares so credited shall equal the number of such Common Shares (and fractions thereof) that would have been distributed with respect to the Common Shares deemed to be held in the Participant’s Account as of the Dividend Record Date, if such Common Shares were outstanding. If such dividend or other distribution is in the form of property other than cash or Common Shares, the number of Common Shares so credited shall be a number of Common Shares (and fractions thereof) having a Value, as of the Dividend Payment Date, equal to the value of the property that would have been distributed with respect to the Common Shares deemed to be held in the Participant’s Account as of the Dividend Record Date, if such Common Shares were outstanding. The value of such property shall be its fair market value as of the Dividend Payment Date, determined by the Board based upon market trading if available and otherwise based upon such factors as the Board deems appropriate.
Restricted Share Unit Agreement . Each Restricted Share Unit Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Share Unit Agreement. The Agreement shall be dated as of the date of the Award, shall be signed by an officer of the Company authorized by the Board, and shall be signed by the Participant. The Agreement shall describe the Restricted Share Unit Award and state that such Restricted Share Units are subject to all the terms and provisions of the Plan. At the time the Restricted Share Units are awarded, the Board may determine that such Restricted Share Units shall be restricted as to transferability as specified in the Agreement. The prospective Participant of an Award shall not have any rights with respect to such Award, unless and until such Participant has executed an agreement evidencing the Award and has delivered a fully executed copy thereof to the Administrator, and has otherwise complied with the applicable terms and conditions of such Award.
VESTING
Vesting . A Participant will be one hundred percent (100%) vested in amounts credited to such Participant’s Account attributable to an Award upon the completion of six (6) months of service as an Outside Director from the date of the Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant will be one hundred percent (100%) vested in the total amount credited to such Participant’s Account upon the Participant’s death or Disability.
DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS
Elections of Distribution and Form of Payment Options . For each Award, each Participant shall elect a Distribution Option and a Form of Payment Option applicable to that Award. The Distribution Option and the Form of Payment Option elected by the Participant shall be set forth in the Agreement.
Changes to Distribution or Form of Payment Options . After initial election, each Participant may thereafter change his Distribution Option or Form of Payment Option election with respect to a particular Award. However, a participant my not change a Distribution Option to one that would complete the distribution of the Participant’s Account more quickly than the election in effect at the date of the new election. Furthermore, any change with respect to a Distribution Option or Form of Payment Option cannot be effective until at least twelve (12) months after such election and a change in Distribution Option must delay such distribution for at least five (5) years beyond the initial distribution date. If a Distribution Option or Form of Payment Option election is changed, and distribution is triggered before twelve (12) months have elapsed from the change of such election, the distribution will be made in accordance with the Distribution Option or Form of Payment Option election, as the case may be, in effect prior to the change.
Payment of Benefits . A Participant shall receive payment of vested amounts credited to his Account upon his termination from membership on the Board. In addition, a Participant may receive payment of amounts credited to his Account upon the occurrence of an “unforeseeable emergency,” as further described in Section 5.4.





Payment Upon Termination other than Death or Disability . Except in the case of termination from membership on the Board due to death or Disability, a Participant will receive payment of the amounts credited to his Account in the Form of Payment Option elected by the Participant as follows:
If the immediate single lump sum Distribution Option is elected by the Participant, then payment shall be made on the first Payment Processing Date to occur at least six (6) months after the date of such Participant’s termination from membership on the Board.
If the annual installment Distribution Option is elected by the Participant, then payments shall commence on the first Payment Processing Date to occur after the date of such Participant’s termination from membership on the Board, with subsequent annual installment payments to occur on the same Payment Processing Date each year thereafter until the Participant’s Account has been distributed in full. The amount of the annual installment payments shall be equal to the amount necessary to fully distribute the Participant’s Account as an annual benefit over the Distribution Option period elected, consistent with the following methodology: the amount payable on the applicable close of the Payment Processing Date shall equal the value of the Participant’s Account as of the Payment Processing Date, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is the number of annual installments remaining in the Distribution Option period elected by the Participant. For example, assuming a ten (10) year Distribution Option period applies, the amount paid on each of the applicable Payment Processing Dates would represent the value of the Participant’s Account of the close of the Payment Processing Date times the following factors: Year 1 = 10% (1/10); Year 2 = 11.11% (1/9); Year 3 = 12.5% 1/8); Year 4 = 14.29% (1/7); Year 5 = 16.66% (1/6); Year 6 = 20% (1/5); Year 7 = 25% (1/4); Year 8 = 33.33% (1/3); Year 9 = 50% (1/2); Year 10 = 100% (1/1).
Payment upon Death . In the event of the death of a Participant prior to the commencement of the distribution of payments under the Plan, such benefits shall be paid to the Beneficiary or Beneficiaries designated by the Participant in accordance with the Distribution Option in effect for such Participant as of such Participant’s date of death, payable on, or beginning with, the first Payment Processing Date to occur after the date of the Participant’s death. In the event of the death of the Participant while receiving payments of benefits under the Plan, the Beneficiary or Beneficiaries designated by the Participant shall be paid the remaining payments due under the Plan in accordance with the Distribution Option in effect for such Participant as of such Participant’s date of death, payable on, or beginning with, the first Payment Processing Date to occur after the date of the Participant’s death.
Payment upon Disability . If the Administrative Committee makes a determination that a Participant has suffered a Disability, either before or after such Participant has terminated his membership on the Board, then such Participant shall receive payment of the full amount in his Account in an immediate single lump sum, regardless of the Distribution Option elected by such Participant, payable on the first Payment Processing Date to occur after the date the Administrative Committee makes its determination that such Participant has suffered a Disability.
Withdrawals for Unforeseeable Emergency . Upon the occurrence of an unforeseeable emergency, a Participant shall be eligible to receive payment of the amount necessary to satisfy such emergency plus any amount necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of the distribution, after taking into account the extent to which such hardship is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise or by liquidation of the Participant’s assets (to the extent such liquidation would not itself cause severe financial hardship). The amount determined to be properly distributable under this section and applicable regulations under Code Section 409A shall be payable in a single lump sum only. For the purposes of this section, the term “ unforeseeable emergency ” means a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, or a dependent of the Participant (as defined in Code Section 152(a)); loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty; or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant. It shall be the responsibility of the Participant seeking to make a withdrawal under this section to demonstrate to the Administrator that an unforeseeable emergency has occurred and to document the amount properly distributable hereunder.
Value of Payments . The amount of the payment to be made to a Participant on any Payment Processing Date shall be equal to the following:
Restricted Share Units Payable in Cash . If a Participant has elected the cash Form of Payment Option, the amount of cash payable to the Participant shall be equal to the Value of a Common Share as of the close of the Payment Processing Date multiplied by the number of Restricted Share Units to which payment is due on that Payment Processing Date.





Restricted Share Units Payable in Common Shares . If a Participant has elected the Common Share Form of Payment Option, the number of Common Shares to be issued to the Participant shall be equal to the number of Restricted Share Units to which payment is due on that Payment Processing Date.
Notice of Intention to Retire or Terminate Board Membership . To the extent practicable, a Participant shall provide the Company with advance notice of his intention to retire or terminate his Board membership and receive benefits hereunder in accordance with uniform procedures established by the Administrator.
Annual Installment Payments Treated Separately . For purposes of benefit payment elections, each annual installment payment shall be treated as a separate payment.
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
Administration . The Plan shall be administered by the Administrative Committee, or its designee, as an unfunded, deferred compensation plan that is not intended to meet the qualification requirements of Code Section 401.
Administrative Committee . The Administrative Committee, or its designee, will operate and administer the Plan and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish that purpose, including, but not limited to, the discretionary authority to interpret the Plan, the discretionary authority to determine all questions relating to the rights and status of Participants, and the discretionary authority to make such rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan as are not inconsistent with the terms and provisions hereof or applicable law, as well as such other authority and powers relating to the administration of the Plan, except such as are reserved by the Plan to the Board. All decisions made by the Administrative Committee shall be final.
Without limiting the powers set forth herein, the Administrative Committee shall have the power: (a) to change or waive any requirements of the Plan to conform with the law or to meet special circumstances not anticipated or covered in the Plan; (b) to determine the times and places for holding meetings of the Administrative Committee and the notice to be given of such meetings; (c) to employ such agents and assistants, such counsel (who may be counsel to the Company), and such clerical and other services as the Administrative Committee may require in carrying out the provisions of the Plan; and (d) to authorize one or more of their number or any agent to execute or deliver any instrument on behalf of the Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee shall also have the power to decrease or increase the number of Restricted Share Units to be awarded to Plan Participants as annual Awards described in Section 3.1 without further shareholder approval if, within the Administrative Committee’s discretion, such a decrease or increase is warranted to maintain director compensation at an appropriate level; provided that no annual Award described in Section 3.1 shall be greater than 10,000 Restricted Share Units. If an Organic Change occurs, then the minimum and maximum number of Restricted Share Units to be awarded to Participants as annual Awards shall be adjusted consistent with such Organize Change.
The members of the Administrative Committee and the Company and its officers and directors, shall be entitled to rely upon all valuations, certificates and reports furnished by any funding agent or service provider, upon all certificates and reports made by an accountant, and upon all opinions given by any legal counsel selected or approved by the Administrative Committee, and the members of the Administrative Committee and the Company and its officers and directors shall, except as otherwise provided by law, be fully protected in respect of any action taken or suffered by them in good faith in reliance upon any such valuations, certificates, reports, opinions or other advice of a funding agent, service provider, accountant or counsel.
Statement of Participant’s Account . The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable after the end of each Plan Year, provide to each Participant a statement setting forth the Account of such Participant under Section 3.2 as of the end of such Plan Year. Such statement shall be deemed to have been accepted as correct unless written notice to the contrary is received by the Administrator within thirty (30) days after providing such statement to the Participant. Account statements may be provided more often than annually in the discretion of the Administrator.
Filing Claims . Any Participant, Beneficiary or other individual (hereinafter a “ Claimant ”) entitled to benefits under the Plan, or otherwise eligible to participate herein, shall be required to make a claim with the Administrative Committee (or its designee) requesting payment or distribution of such Plan benefits (or written confirmation of Plan eligibility, as the case may be), on such form or in such manner as the Administrator shall prescribe. Unless and until a Claimant makes proper application for benefits in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Administrator, such Claimant shall have no right to receive any distribution from or under the Plan.







AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
Amendment . The Board reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, modify or alter any or all of the provisions of the Plan at any time and from time to time without the consent of any Participant; provided, however, that no amendment shall operate retroactively so as to affect adversely any rights to which a Participant may be entitled under the provisions of the Plan as in effect prior to such action. Furthermore, no such amendments, modifications or alterations shall be made without the approval of the Company’s shareholders to the extent such approval is required by applicable law, regulation or Nasdaq or stock exchange rule.
Termination . The Company reserves, in its sole discretion, the right to suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan at any time in whole or in part; provided, however, that a suspension, discontinuance or termination of the Plan shall not: (a) accelerate the obligation to make payments to any person not otherwise currently entitled to payments under the Plan, unless otherwise specifically so determined by the Company and permitted by applicable law, (b) relieve the Company of its obligations to make payments to any person then entitled to payments under the Plan, or (c) reduce any existing Account balance. Unless previously terminated by the Board, the Plan shall terminate on May 31, 2026.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Facility of Payments . Whenever, in the opinion of the Administrative Committee, a person entitled to receive any payment, or installment thereof, is under a legal disability or is unable to manage his financial affairs, the Administrative Committee shall have the discretionary authority to direct payments to such person’s legal representative or to a relative or friend of such person for his benefit; alternatively, the Administrative Committee may in its discretion apply the payment for the benefit of such person in such manner as the Administrative Committee deems advisable. Any such payment or application of benefits made in good faith in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall be a complete discharge of any liability of the Administrative Committee (including the Administrator), the Company and the Board with respect to such payment or application of benefits.
Funding . All benefits under the Plan are unfunded and the Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of assets in order to assure the payment of any amounts under the Plan; provided, however, that in order to provide a source of payment for its obligations under the Plan, the Company may establish a trust fund. The right of a Participant or his Beneficiary to receive a distribution hereunder shall be an unsecured claim against the general assets of the Company, and neither the Participant nor his Beneficiary shall have any rights in or against any amounts credited under the Plan or any other specific assets of the Company. All amounts credited under the Plan to the benefit of a Participant shall constitute general assets of the Company and may be disposed of by the Company at such time and for such purposes as it may deem appropriate.
Anti-Assignment . No right or benefit under the Plan shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the same shall be void. No right or benefit shall be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, or torts of the person entitled to such benefits. If a Participant, a Participant’s spouse, or any Beneficiary should become bankrupt or attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber or charge any right to benefits under the Plan, then those rights, in the discretion of the Administrative Committee, shall cease. In this case, the Administrative Committee may hold or apply the benefits at issue or any part thereof for the benefit of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, or Beneficiary in such manner as the Administrative Committee may deem proper.
Unclaimed Interests . If the Administrator shall at any time be unable to make distribution or payment of benefits hereunder to a Participant or any Beneficiary of a Participant by reason of the fact that his whereabouts are unknown, the Administrative Committee shall so certify, and thereafter the Administrator shall make a reasonable attempt to locate such missing person. If such person continues missing for a period of three (3) years following such certification, the interest of such Participant in the Plan shall, in the discretion of the Administrative Committee, be distributed to the Beneficiary of such missing person.
References to Code, Statutes and Regulations . Any and all references in the Plan to any provision of the Code, or any other statute, law, regulation, ruling or order shall be deemed to refer also to any successor statute, law, regulation, ruling or order.
Liability . The Company, and its directors, officers and employees, shall be free from liability, joint or several, for personal acts, omissions, and conduct, and for the acts, omissions and conduct of duly constituted agents, in the administration of the Plan.
Governing Law; Severability . The Plan shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Ohio, including choice of law provisions, and all provisions hereof shall be administered according to the laws of that State, except to the extent preempted by federal law. A final judgment in any action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of the Plan shall





for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Plan, but the Plan shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein, and there shall be deemed substituted such other provision as will most nearly accomplish the intent of the parties to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Taxes . The Company shall be entitled to withhold any taxes from any distribution hereunder or from other compensation then payable, as it believes necessary, appropriate, or required under relevant law.
Effective Date . This Plan shall be effective upon approval by the shareholders of the Company (the “ Effective Date ”). This Plan shall be submitted to the shareholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, anticipated to be held May 6, 2016.





Exhibit 10.03
STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION

ONE TEAM INCENTIVE PLAN

Effective January 1, 2016

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

1.01      Purposes of the Plan.
The purposes of the State Auto Financial Corporation One Team Incentive Plan are to: (a) further the long-term profitable growth and earnings of the Company by providing incentives and rewards to all employees who achieve the stated performance goals and strategic objectives which contribute significantly to the achievement of that profitable growth; (b) focus employees on the key measures that align and drive superior performance and value over the long term; and (c) assist the Company in recruiting and maintaining highly talented associates by providing competitive total rewards. To accomplish these objectives, the Plan authorizes the grant of Awards, as further described herein. The Plan is intended, in part, to provide for performance-based compensation which is not subject to the deduction limitation rules under Code Section 162(m) as in effect from time to time.
1.02      Term of the Plan.
Subject to shareholder approval, the Plan shall be effective as of January 1, 2016, and shall remain in effect until terminated by the Board or the Committee in accordance with 0. Any Award granted before the termination of the Plan shall continue to be governed thereafter by the terms of the Plan, including the terms in effect on the termination date.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
2.01      Definitions.
Except where otherwise indicated, the following terms shall have the definitions set forth below for purposes of the Plan:
(a)
“Applicable Law” means the requirements of Code Section 162(m) applicable to performance-based compensation.
(b)
“Award” means a Performance Bonus Award granted under 0 or a Cash Bonus Award granted under Section 6 as established by the Committee for a Performance Period.
(c)
“Beneficiary” means the Participant’s surviving spouse, or if the Participant has no surviving spouse, the Participant’s estate.
(d)
“Board” or “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of State Auto Financial Corporation.
(e)
“Cash Bonus Award” means the dollar amount granted by members of Senior Leadership, or their designees, and payable to a Participant in accordance with Section 6.
(f)
“Change in Control” means one of the following events shall have taken place after January 1, 2016:
(1)    when any “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding the Company and any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company (including any trustee of such plan acting as trustee) and excluding State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, directly or indirectly, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time), of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or
(2)    when, during any period of 24 consecutive months during the existence of the Plan, the individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors” ) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that a director who was not a director at the beginning of such 24-month period shall be deemed to have satisfied such 24-month requirement (and be an Incumbent Director) if such director was elected by, or on the recommendation of, or with the approval of, at least two-thirds of the





directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors either actually (because they were directors at the beginning of such 24-month period) or by prior operation of this Section 2.01(f); or
(3)    the occurrence of a transaction requiring shareholder approval for the acquisition of the Company by an entity other than the Company through purchase of assets, by merger or otherwise; or
(4)    the occurrence of a “Rule 13e-3 transaction” (as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act) requiring approval by the shareholders of the Company.
A “Potential Change in Control” means the happening of any one of the following:
(5)    the approval by shareholders of an agreement by the Company, the consummation of which would result in a Change in Control of the Company as defined in Section 2.01(f) above; or
(6)    the acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by any entity, person or group (other than the Company or any Company employee benefit plan (including any trustee of such plan acting as such trustee) and other than State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company) of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities and the adoption by the Board of a resolution to the effect that a Potential Change in Control of the Company has occurred for purposes of this Plan.
(g)
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and rulings of general applicability issued thereunder, as in effect from time to time.
(h)
“Committee” generally means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other individuals designated by the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, to oversee the administration of the Plan, including members of the Company’s senior leadership; provided, however, with regard to the provisions of this Plan applicable to a Covered Employee, “Committee” means a committee of three or more persons appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, each member of whom shall be (1) an “independent director” as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, (2) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 and (3) an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(i)
“Company” means State Auto Financial Corporation and its related entities, subsidiaries and affiliates, including State Auto Mutual Insurance Company, or any successors thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the terms of this Plan authorize the Company to take action, such action shall be considered properly authorized if taken by the Board or the Committee as defined herein.
(j)
“Covered Employee” means an Employee who is, or who is determined by the Committee to be likely to become, a “covered employee” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m).
(k)
“Disability” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the long term disability plan maintained by the Participant’s employer at the time that the determination regarding Disability is made hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a payment under this Plan is subject to Code Section 409A, “Disability” has the meaning ascribed to such term under that Code Section.
(l)
“Employee” means a regular, active employee of the Company. Directors who are not employed by the Company shall not be considered Employees under the Plan, nor shall independent contractors, leased employees, consultants or anyone else designated as not eligible to participate in the Plan by the Committee.
(m)
“Final Bonus” means the actual Performance Bonus Award earned during a Performance Period by a Participant, as determined by the Committee.
(n)
“Participant” means an Employee who meets the eligibility requirements of Section 4 with respect to one or more Performance Periods.
(o)
“Performance Bonus Award” means an Award granted by the Committee and payable to a Participant in accordance with Section 5.
(p)
“Performance Criteria” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.





(q)
“Performance Period” means the twelve month period beginning on each January 1 st and ending on the next succeeding December 31 st during the term of the Plan, or such other time period established by the Committee from time to time with respect to which the attainment of Performance Criteria will be determined.
(r)
“Plan” means the State Auto Financial Corporation One Team Incentive Plan, as set forth herein and as amended from time to time.
(s)
“Retirement” means the attainment of age 55 and the completion of five years of service with the Company; provided, however, that if a Participant’s employment is terminated for cause after such Participant has satisfied the requirements for “retirement” as stated herein, such termination of employment shall not be an eligible “retirement” under the Plan. For this purpose, a “year of service” and “for cause” shall be determined in the absolute discretion of the Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
(t)
“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.
(u)
“Target Bonus Award” means the potential Award designated for a Participant in accordance with Section 5 that would be payable to the Participant for a Performance Period if the Performance Criteria for the Performance Period were fully (100%) achieved and no negative discretion was exercised by the Committee in regard to that Award.
(v)
“Termination of Employment” means, for purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, ceasing to be an Employee (as determined in accordance with Code Section 3401(c) and the regulations promulgated thereunder) of the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if a Participant’s employment with the Company terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company in a non-employee director capacity, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Employment within the Performance Period during which it occurs. A Participant employed by, or performing services for, a related company or a division of the Company shall be deemed to incur a Termination of Employment if, as a result of a disaffiliation, such related company or division ceases to be a related company or division, as the case may be, and the Participant does not immediately thereafter become an Employee of the Company or another related company. Temporary absences from employment because of illness, vacation or leave of absence and transfers among the Company and its related companies shall not be considered a Termination of Employment. In addition, Termination of Employment shall mean a “separation from service” as defined in regulations issued under Code Section 409A whenever necessary to ensure compliance therewith for any payment of an Award conferred under this Plan that is subject to such Code Section, and, for such purposes, shall be determined based upon a reduction in the bona fide level of services performed to a level equal to twenty percent (20%) or less of the average level of services performed by the Employee during the immediately preceding 36-month period.
SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION
3.01      The Committee.
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, or its designee, as defined in Section 2.01(h) and collectively referred to herein as the “Committee”. The Committee shall periodically determine, in its sole discretion, the amounts and other terms and conditions of Awards to be granted to Participants under the Plan. The Committee shall administer the Plan in accordance with applicable legal requirements. All questions of interpretation and administration with respect to the Plan and Awards made hereunder shall be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. All determinations by the Committee shall be final and conclusive upon all persons. The Committee shall act by vote or written consent of a majority of its members and its actions shall be recorded in the minutes of the Committee. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Committee shall not have any discretion or authority to make changes to any Award for a Covered Employee that is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m) to the extent that the existence of such discretion or authority would cause such Award not to so qualify.
3.02      Additional Powers of the Committee.
In addition to any implied powers and duties that are needed to carry out the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the following specific powers and duties:
(a)
to make, amend, rescind and enforce any rules and regulations it shall deem necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;





(b)
to correct administrative errors;
(c)
to determine the terms and provisions for making or modifying Awards;
(d)
to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan;
(e)
to designate one or more officers of the Company to execute on behalf of the Company all agreements and other documents approved by the Committee under the Plan;
(f)
except to the extent prohibited by Applicable Law, to delegate to one or more individuals the day-to-day administration of the Plan and any of the functions assigned to it in this Plan, including the power to approve Awards to Employees who are not Covered Employees; provided, however, that such delegation may be revoked at any time and all determinations and decisions of any delegate as to any disputed question arising under the Plan, including questions of construction and interpretation, shall be final, binding and conclusive upon all persons; and
(g)
to employ one or more persons to render advice with respect to any of its responsibilities under the Plan.
SECTION 4. PARTICIPATION
4.01      Participation.
The Committee shall designate, or determine the methodology and criteria, if any, for the designation of the Employees who are eligible to receive an Award under the Plan. In general, all Employees shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. An individual who is not an Employee shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan. Only the Committee may determine the eligibility of Employees who are Covered Employees.
4.02      Partial Performance Period Participation.
An Employee who becomes eligible after the beginning of a Performance Period and prior to the beginning of the fourth calendar quarter, may participate in the Plan for that Performance Period on a ratable basis. Such situations may include, but are not limited to new hires. The Committee, in its sole discretion, retains the right to prohibit or allow participation in the initial Performance Period of eligibility for any such Employee. If an Employee participates for only a portion of a Performance Period for any reason, the Performance Criteria previously established under the Plan for that Performance Period shall apply to any Employee who becomes eligible after the beginning of the Performance Period, but his Award may be prorated. Such proration may be based on the number of days the Employee performed services during the Performance Period while a Participant in the Plan over the total days in the Performance Period, or some similar method adopted by the Committee that results in a ratable reduction of the Award based on the partial Performance Period applicable to the Employee. In addition, in the event a Participant changes job levels, sub-groups or business segments during a Performance Period, the Participant’s Award may be adjusted to reflect the amount of time at each job level, sub-group or business segment during the Performance Period, in the Committee’s discretion. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 4.02 or in the Plan to the contrary, the participation in the Plan for a Covered Employee who becomes eligible after the beginning of the Performance Period shall comply with the provisions of Code Section 162(m), as set forth in Section 5.
SECTION 5. PERFORMANCE BONUS AWARDS
5.01      Establishment of Performance Criteria.
For each Performance Period, the Committee will establish in writing Performance Criteria based on one or more of the following performance measures of the Company (and/or one or more business segments or sub-groups of the Company, as applicable), applied to the Company as a whole or to a business segment or sub-group, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and measured over the Performance Period, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous years’ results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Committee in the award criteria or by duly adopted resolution: (i) combined ratio; (ii) premium growth; and (iii) policies in force. Except as otherwise provided herein, the extent to which the Performance Criteria are satisfied will determine the amount, if any, of the Final Bonus that will be earned by each Participant (subject to Section 5.04). The Performance Criteria may vary for different Performance Periods and need not be the same for each Participant eligible for a Performance Bonus Award for a Performance Period. If the identified Performance Criteria are not met at the minimum level established by the Committee, no Performance Bonus Awards will be paid for the applicable Performance Period. For purposes of this Plan, “policies in force” means, as of the applicable measurement date, the active policies underwritten by the Company’s Personal and Business (including workers’ compensation) Insurance Segments.





5.02      Adjustment of Performance Criteria.
Once established, the Performance Criteria shall not be changed during the Performance Period. Subject to the requirements of Code Section 162(m) with respect to Covered Employees, at the time a Performance Bonus Award is made and Performance Criteria are established, the Committee is authorized to determine the manner in which the Performance Criteria will be calculated or measured to take into account certain factors over which Participants have no or limited control, including, but not limited to, cumulative effects of tax or accounting changes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or extraordinary charges to income.
5.03      Issuance of Awards.
For each Performance Period, the Committee may issue to Participants in the Plan, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion, a Target Bonus Award which is contingent on the achievement of established Performance Criteria during the Performance Period or, with respect to Employees who are not Covered Employees, the occurrence of another specified event as determined by the Committee in accordance with the terms of the Plan. In determining the nature and amount of the Target Bonus Award, the Committee shall consider, among other factors, responsibility level, and performance. Awards will be earned based upon the performance of the Company or one or more of its business segments and/or sub-groups and the attainment of the established Performance Criteria during the Performance Period. In no event shall the maximum Award that may be paid to any single Participant for any single Performance Period exceed $3,000,000.00, such maximum Award amount to be pro-rated if the Performance Period is less than a full fiscal year of the Company. The total amount of Performance Bonus Awards for the Performance Period will be calculated and allocated from a pool of incentive dollars established by the Company on an annual basis under an objective formula. For each Performance Period, a specified share of the pool shall be determined as the Performance Bonus Award for each Participant, provided that the total shares shall not exceed 100% of the available pool. In addition, should the Committee exercise its discretion to reduce a Covered Employee’s Performance Bonus Award, no reduction in a Covered Employee’s Performance Bonus Award shall result in an increase in the share of another Covered Employee’s Performance Bonus Award.
Performance Criteria and Target Bonus Awards shall be established prior to the beginning of each Performance Period or as soon as practicable thereafter. If a Participant commences participation after the beginning of a Performance Period, Performance Criteria in effect for the Participant’s position shall apply for the remaining balance of the Performance Period, unless otherwise determined by the Committee within 90 days of the date the Employee becomes a Participant. In all cases where the Participant is a Covered Employee, the Performance Criteria and Target Bonus Award shall be established in no event later than 90 days following the first day of the Performance Period or after twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period has elapsed, if earlier, and the outcome relative to the attainment of the Performance Criteria shall not be substantially certain at the time the Performance Criteria and Target Bonus Award are established. This Section 5.03 is intended to ensure compliance with the exception from Code Section 162(m) for qualified “performance-based compensation,” and shall be construed, applied and administered accordingly with respect to any Participant who is a Covered Employee.
5.04      Final Bonus Determinations.
At the end of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing the extent to which the Performance Criteria were met during the Performance Period for any Performance Bonus Awards for Covered Employees. If the Performance Criteria for the Performance Period are met, Covered Employees shall be entitled to the payment of the Performance Bonus Awards, subject to the Committee’s exercise of negative discretion to reduce any Final Bonus payable to a Covered Employee based on business objectives established for that Covered Employee or other factors as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. With respect to Participants who are not Covered Employees, the Committee will determine the Final Bonus for a Performance Period based on the Performance Criteria and other business and/or individual objectives. The Committee may adjust (up or down) any Final Bonus for Participants who are not Covered Employees on the basis of such further considerations as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Subject to the maximum dollar amount for an Award provided in Section 5.03, no Final Bonus shall be greater than 200% of a Participant’s Target Bonus Award. Further, should the Committee desire to provide any additional bonus amount or payment to a Covered Employee above the Performance Bonus Award issued to the Covered Employee for the Performance Period, such payment shall be a separate bonus payment and shall not be a Performance Bonus Award, meaning it shall not be subject to or covered by Section 162(m) of the Code as performance-based compensation.
5.05      Change of Control or Potential Change of Control.
If a Change of Control or Potential Change of Control, as defined in Section 2.01(f), occurs prior to the end of a specified Performance Period, the Committee shall determine the Final Bonus in accordance with Section 5.04; provided, however, that such Final Bonus shall be determined based on the achievement of the Performance Criteria up to the date of the Change of Control





or Potential Change of Control and then prorated based upon the length of time that the Participant was employed by the Company during the applicable Performance Period. The Final Bonus, thus determined, shall be paid per the terms of the Plan.
5.06      Termination of Employment.
(a)
Termination of Employment Due to Retirement, Death or Disability . In the event of a Participant's Termination of Employment by reason of Retirement, death or Disability during the applicable Performance Period, the Final Bonus determined in accordance with Section 5.04 herein shall be reduced to reflect participation prior to termination only and as further described below.
(1)     Death or Disability . If the Participant’s employment is terminated due to death or Disability, the Final Bonus, if any, shall be equal to 100% of the Participant’s Target Bonus Award, prorated by multiplying the Final Bonus by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of employment in the Performance Period through the date of employment termination, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the Performance Period. In the case of a Participant's Disability, the employment termination shall be deemed to have occurred as of the date that the Committee determines was the date on which the definition of Disability was satisfied. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant is a Covered Employee, the Final Bonus, if any, shall be based upon the achievement of the Performance Criteria during the applicable portion of the Performance Period and then prorated as described above.
(2)     Retirement . If the Participant’s employment is terminated due to Retirement, the Final Bonus, if any, shall be based upon the achievement of the Performance Criteria during the applicable Performance Period and then prorated based upon the length of time that the Participant was employed by the Company during the Performance Period.
The Final Bonus, thus determined, shall be paid as soon as possible and reasonable following the Participant’s death, and if paid due to Disability or Retirement, the Final Bonus shall be paid as soon as practicable and reasonable following the end of the Performance Period in which the Disability or Retirement occurs, and shall be made at the same time payments are made to Participants who did not incur a Disability or retire during the applicable Performance Period, unless otherwise elected by the Participant as provided in any deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Company and applicable to the Participant.
(b)
Termination of Employment for Other Reasons . In the event of a Participant's Termination of Employment before the fourth quarter of the Performance Period for a reason other than due to Retirement, death, Disability or involuntary termination by the Company other than for “Cause”, all of the Participant’s rights to any Final Bonus for that Performance Period shall be forfeited unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Except as provided in Section 5.06(a), only Participants who are, as of the date the Final Bonus, if any, is paid, either current, active Employees or current Employees who are on a leave of absence authorized by the Company shall be entitled to any Final Bonus earned for the Performance Period, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Payment of the Final Bonus shall be made at the same time payments are made to Participants who did not have a Termination of Employment during the applicable Performance Period, unless otherwise elected by the Participant as provided in any deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Company and applicable to the Participant. For purposes of this Section whether an involuntary termination is for “Cause” shall be determined in the absolute discretion of the Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
(c)
Other Forfeiture Events . The Committee may, in its discretion, require that all or any portion of a Final Bonus be subject to an obligation of repayment to the Company upon the violation of a non-competition and confidentiality covenant applicable to the Participant. The Committee may, in its discretion, also require repayment to the Company of all or any portion of a Final Bonus if the amount of the Final Bonus was calculated based upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a financial statement restatement or amendment to a previously filed financial statement and the amount of the Final Bonus would have been lower than the amount actually paid to the Participant had the financial results been properly reported, and the Committee shall require repayment to the Company of any Final Bonus to the extent such repayment is required by law. Further, the Committee may, in its discretion, require that all or any portion of a Final Bonus paid to a Participant for the current or immediately preceding Performance Period be forfeited and returned to the Company if the Participant directly or indirectly solicits or causes to be solicited, or in any other way is responsible for, an offer of employment to be made to any Employee of the Company for twelve months after such Participant’s Termination of Employment from the Company, without the prior written consent of the Company. This Section 5.06(c) shall not be the Company’s exclusive remedy with respect to such matters. This Section 5.06(c) shall not apply after a Change in Control or Potential Change in Control except if required by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company adopts any policy requiring the repayment of bonus amounts due to financial restatements or other identified conduct (collectively, a “Clawback Policy” ), the provisions of such Clawback Policy shall also apply





to the Plan and in the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and the Clawback Policy, the terms of the Clawback Policy, as applicable, shall govern.
5.07      Payment of Performance Bonus Awards.
Each Participant’s Final Bonus, as determined by the Committee, shall be paid in cash, in one lump sum, subject to applicable tax and other authorized withholdings, on the last business day occurring on or before the 15 th day of the third month after the end of each Performance Period. If payment is delayed due to an unforeseeable event or other administrative delay, payment shall in no event be made later than the December 31 st of the taxable year following the year in which the Final Bonus was earned. Other withholdings may include, but not be limited to, amounts previously elected to be deferred to a tax-qualified or non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plan. In addition, the Committee may provide for deferred payment of any Final Bonus to a specified date or to a date not less than six months after Termination of Employment, in compliance with the requirements of Code Section 409A, as applicable.
SECTION 6. CASH BONUS AWARDS

6.01      Additional Cash Bonus Awards.
Senior Leadership (i.e., business segment leaders or their designees, a “ Leader ”) may also issue and pay “spot” Cash Bonus Awards at any other time as such Leader, in his discretion, determines to be appropriate in order to reward an Employee (who is not a Covered Employee) for exemplary performance results, as determined by the Leader in his sole discretion. Any such Cash Bonus Awards are not intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Code Section 162(m).
6.02      Payment of Cash Bonus Awards.
The Leader may, but shall not be required to, issue Cash Bonus Awards to one or more Participants, including, but not limited to, a Participant to whom a Performance Bonus Award has been designated pursuant to Section 5 above (other than a Covered Employee). A Cash Bonus Award as determined by the Leader shall be paid in cash, in one lump sum, subject to applicable tax and other authorized withholdings, no later than the last business day occurring on or before the 15 th day of the third month after the end of the Performance Period for which the Cash Bonus Award was made.
SECTION 7. PAYMENT OF AWARDS

7.01      Awards Solely from General Assets.
The Awards under the Plan shall be paid solely from the general assets of the Company. Nothing herein shall be construed to require the Company or the Board to maintain any fund or to segregate any amount for the benefit of any Participant, and no Participant or other party claiming an interest in amounts earned under the Plan shall have any right against, right to, or security or other interest in, any fund, account, or asset of the Company from which the payment pursuant to the Plan may be made. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. To the extent that any party acquires a right to receive a payment under the Plan, such right shall be equivalent to that of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.
7.02      Plan Expenses.
All reasonable expenses of administering the Plan shall be paid by the Company.
SECTION 8. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

8.01      Amendment of Plan.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.02, the Committee, without notice, at any time and from time to time, may modify or amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of the Plan, or suspend or terminate it entirely; provided, however, that no such modification, amendment, suspension, or termination may, without the consent of a Participant, materially reduce the right of a Participant to a payment or distribution hereunder to which he has already become entitled, as determined under Sections 5 and 6 hereof. Shareholder approval of any amendment will be required only as required by Applicable Law. No new Award may be granted during any period of suspension of the Plan or after termination of the Plan.





8.02      Change in Control.
Notwithstanding Section 8.01, above, on or after the occurrence of a Change in Control, no direct or indirect alteration, amendment, suspension, termination or discontinuance of the Plan, no establishment or modification of rules, regulations or procedures under the Plan, no interpretation of the Plan or determination under the Plan, and no exercise of authority or discretion vested in the Committee under any provision of the Plan (collectively or individually, a “Change” ) shall be made if the Change: (a) is not required by Applicable Law or necessary to meet the requirements of Rule 16b-3, Code Section 162(m) or Code Section 409A;, and (b) would have the effect of:
(a)
eliminating, reducing or otherwise adversely affecting a Participant’s, former Participant’s or beneficiary’s rights with respect to any Award granted prior to the Change in Control;
(b)
altering the meaning or operation of the definition of Change in Control in Section 2.01(f) (and of the definition of all the defined terms that appear in the definition of Change in Control), the provisions of this 0, or any rule, regulation, procedure, provision or determination made or adopted prior to the Change in Control pursuant to this 0 or any provision in any rule, regulation, procedure, provision or determination made or adopted pursuant to the Plan that becomes effective upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (collectively, the “Change in Control Provisions” ); or
(c)
undermining or frustrating the intent of the Change in Control Provisions to secure for Participants, former Participants and beneficiaries the maximum rights and benefits that can be provided under the Plan.
Upon and after the occurrence of a Change in Control: (1) all rights of all Participants, former Participants and beneficiaries under the Plan (including without limitation any rules, regulations or procedures promulgated under the Plan) shall be contractual rights enforceable against the Company and any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s business or assets; and (2) any Award (i) shall be deemed to have been earned at the annual target amount, regardless of whether the specified Performance Criteria have been satisfied and (ii) shall be payable immediately following the Change in Control. These Change in Control Provisions may be altered, amended or suspended at any time before the date on which a Change in Control occurs; provided, however, that any alteration, amendment or suspension of the Change in Control Provisions that is made before the date on which a Change in Control occurs, and at the request of a person who effectuates the Change in Control, shall be treated as though it occurred after the Change in Control and shall be subject to the restrictions and limitations imposed by the preceding provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph.
8.03      Other Plans.
Nothing herein shall preclude the Committee from authorizing or approving other plans or forms of incentive or bonus compensation. The Committee shall have the right to determine the extent to which any Participant shall participate in this Plan in addition to any other plan or plans of the Company in which he shall participate.
SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS

9.01      No Right to Employment.
The receipt of an Award under the Plan shall not give any Employee any right to continued employment by the Company, nor shall it limit or interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate the employment of any Participant at any time or to increase or decrease the compensation of any Participant. There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants under this Plan or otherwise. No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award under this Plan and the receipt of an Award shall not give an Employee the right to receive any subsequent Award.
9.02      Nontransferability.
No right or interest of any Participant in the Plan shall be assignable or transferable, other than by will or pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution, or subject to any lien, directly, by operation of law or otherwise, including, but not limited to, by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge, or bankruptcy, and any attempt to take any such action shall be null and void.
9.03      Recipient of Payment.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), below, any Award under the Plan shall be paid to the Participant, or to the Beneficiary of a deceased Participant.





(b)
If the Committee deems any person entitled to receive any amount under the provisions of the Plan to be incapable of receiving or disbursing the same by reason of minority, illness or infirmity, mental incompetence, or incapacity of any kind, the Committee may, in its sole discretion: (1) apply such amount directly for the comfort, support and maintenance of such person; (2) reimburse any person for any such support theretofore supplied to the person entitled to receive any such payment; (3) pay such amount to any person selected by the Committee to disburse it for such comfort, support and maintenance, including without limitation, any relative who has undertaken, wholly or partially, the expense of such person’s comfort, care and maintenance, or any institution in whose care or custody the person entitled to the amount may be; or (4) with respect to any amount due to a minor, deposit such amount to his credit in any savings or commercial bank of the Committee’s choice, direct that such distribution be paid to the legal guardian, or if none, to a parent of such person or a responsible adult with whom the minor maintains his residence, or to the custodian for such person under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act or Gift to Minors Act, if such payment is permitted by the laws of the state in which the minor resides.
(c)
If a payment is made under the Plan to a third party pursuant to Section 9.04(b), above, the Plan, the Board, the Committee and the Company shall be relieved, to the fullest extent permitted by law, of any obligation to make a duplicate payment to or on behalf of the Participant or Beneficiary.
9.04      Taxes.
The Committee may make any appropriate arrangements to deduct from amounts otherwise payable to a Participant any taxes that the Committee believes to be required to be withheld by any government or governmental agency in respect of an Award. The Participant and/or his Beneficiary shall bear all taxes on amounts paid under the Plan to the extent that no taxes are withheld, irrespective of whether withholding is required.
9.05      Headings.
Any headings used in this document are for convenience of reference only and may not be given any weight in interpreting any provision of the Plan.
9.06      Severability.
If any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had never been inserted herein. In addition, if any provision of the Plan inadvertently causes an Award granted under the Plan to be “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, then such Award shall be construed and enforced as if the provision had never been inserted therein.
9.07      Governing Law.
The Plan and all agreements hereunder shall be construed, administered, and regulated in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio (excluding the choice of law provisions thereof), except as to matters pre-empted or governed by federal law.
9.08      Gender and Number.
Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular, and the singular shall include the plural.
9.09      Successors.
All obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.





Exhibit 10.04

EXECUTIVE CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT
This Executive Change of Control Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of December 1, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and among State Auto Financial Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“ State Auto Financial ”), State Auto Property and Casualty Insurance Company, an Iowa-domiciled insurance company (“ State Auto P&C ”), State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, an Ohio-domiciled mutual insurance company (“ State Auto Mutual ”), and Kim B. Garland (“ Executive ”). State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C, State Auto Mutual and each of their respective insurer subsidiaries and affiliates, present and future, are hereinafter collectively referred to as “ State Auto .”
Background Information
A.
State Auto P&C is the principal operating subsidiary of State Auto Financial and the employer of record of all employees of State Auto. State Auto Financial is a majority- owned, publicly-traded holding company subsidiary of State Auto Mutual. State Auto Mutual is the ultimate controlling person in the State Auto holding company system.
B.
State Auto desires to establish and maintain a sound and vital management team as an important part of State Auto’s overall corporate strategy and as an essential means of protecting and enhancing the interests of State Auto, the Boards of State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual (collectively, the “ Boards ”), and their shareholders and policyholders, respectively. As part of this corporate strategy, State Auto desires to act in the best interests of State Auto to address Executive’s continued service to State Auto and available benefits in the event of an actual or threatened Change of Control (as defined herein) of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual.
Statement of Agreement
The parties hereby acknowledge the accuracy of the foregoing Background Information and hereby agree as follows:
Article I          Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
1.1     ADEA means the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
1.2
Annual Base Salary means the greater of (a) the highest annual rate of base salary in effect for Executive during the 12-month period immediately prior to a Change of Control, or (b) the annual rate of base salary in effect on the date Executive’s employment is terminated.
1.3
Average Annual Award means the average of the annual aggregate bonus under the Short Term Incentive Plans (or its successors) earned by Executive in each of the three calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the Change of Control occurs.
1.4
Cause means any of the following:
(a)
the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform Executive’s duties with State Auto (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to a Disability), after a written demand for performance is delivered to Executive by the Boards, or their designee, which specifically identifies the manner in which the Boards believe, in their sole discretion, that Executive has not performed Executive’s duties; or
(b)
the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which has a material adverse effect on State Auto, as determined by the Boards in their sole discretion; or
(c)
the breach of any provision of Article IV hereof which has a material adverse effect on State Auto, as determined by the Boards in their sole discretion; or
(d)
the willful failure to comply with any State Auto code of conduct or code of ethics applicable to Executive, as determined by the Boards in their sole discretion; or





(e)
the willful failure and refusal to cooperate with or assist State Auto in responding to governmental or regulatory inquiries, investigations or related activities, as determined by the Boards in their sole discretion.
For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of State Auto. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Boards or upon the advice of counsel for State Auto, shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of State Auto.
1.5
Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(a)
Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), Directly or Indirectly, of securities of State Auto Financial representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of State Auto Financial’s then outstanding securities, excluding (i) any acquisition by State Auto Financial or any Subsidiary; (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by State Auto Financial, a Subsidiary or State Auto Mutual; or (iii) any acquisition by State Auto Mutual; or
(b)
A majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Financial at any time is comprised of other than Continuing Directors; or
(c)
Any event or transaction State Auto Financial would be required to report in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act; or
(d)
Any of the following occurs:
(i)
a merger or consolidation of State Auto Financial, other than a merger or consolidation in which the voting securities of State Auto Financial immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of State Auto Financial or surviving entity immediately after the merger or consolidation with another entity;
(ii)
a sale, exchange, lease, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of State Auto Financial which shall include, without limitation, the sale of assets or earning power aggregating more than 50% of the assets or earning power of State Auto Financial on a consolidated basis;
(iii)
a reorganization, reverse stock split, or recapitalization of State Auto Financial which would result in any of the foregoing; or
(iv)
a transaction or series of related transactions having, directly or indirectly, the same effect as any of the foregoing.
(e)
As respects State Auto Mutual, any of the following occurs:
(i)
State Auto Mutual affiliates with or is merged into or consolidated with a third party and as a result, a majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual or its successor is comprised of other than Continuing Directors; or
(ii)
State Auto Mutual completes a conversion to a stock insurance company and as a result of which a majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual or its successor is comprised of other than Continuing Directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Change of Control definition, the percentage of securities ownership listed under subsection (a) above (i.e., 30%) shall increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the percentage of securities ownership is consistent with any future changes to the percentage of securities ownership represented in the Change of Control definition in Section 11(B)(2)(a) (or any successor Section) of the State Auto Financial Corporation 2009 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time.





1.6
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.7
Confidential Information means information disclosed to Executive or known by State Auto, which is not generally known in the business in which State Auto is or may become engaged, including, but not limited to, information about State Auto's services, trade secrets, financial information, customer lists, books, records, memoranda and other proprietary information of State Auto. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall also mean any information that could be considered a trade secret, as defined by applicable law.
1.8
Continuing Director of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual, as the case may be, means a director who was either:
(a)
first elected or appointed as a director on or prior to the Effective Date; or
(b)
subsequent to the Effective Date was elected or appointed as a director if such director was nominated by the Nominating Committee of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual, as the case may be, or appointed by at least two-thirds of the total number of the then Continuing Directors of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual, as the case may be.
1.9
Directly or Indirectly means on Executive’s own behalf, or as an officer, director, shareholder, member, partner, owner, agent, consultant, advisor, coach or employee of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.
1.10
Disability means illness or other incapacity as determined under State Auto’s group long-term disability benefit plan.
1.11
Employee Benefits means the benefits and service credit for benefits as provided under any and all employee retirement income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements in which Executive is entitled to participate, including without limitation any stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, savings, pension, supplemental executive retirement, or other retirement income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, group or other life, health, medical/hospital, or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or self-insured by State Auto), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement and other employee benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may now exist (and as may be modified from time to time) or any equivalent successor policies, plans, programs or arrangements that may be adopted hereafter (and as may be modified from time to time), providing benefits at least as great in a monetary equivalent as are payable thereunder prior to a Change of Control.
1.12
Good Reason means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(a)
The assignment to Executive of duties which are materially and adversely different from or inconsistent with the duties, responsibilities and status of Executive’s position at any time during the 12-month period prior to a Change of Control, or which result in a significant reduction in Executive’s authority and responsibility as a senior executive officer of State Auto;
(b)
A reduction by State Auto in Executive’s Annual Base Salary in place as of the day immediately prior to a Change of Control, or after a Change of Control the failure to grant salary increases and bonus payments on a basis comparable to those granted to other executives of State Auto, or a reduction of Executive’s most recent Average Annual Award prior to a Change of Control;
(c)
After a Change of Control, a demand by State Auto that Executive relocate to a location in excess of 35 miles from the location where Executive is based as of the day immediately prior to a Change of Control, or in the event of any such relocation with Executive’s express written consent, the failure of State Auto or a Subsidiary to pay (or reimburse Executive for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by Executive relating to a change of principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify Executive against any loss in the sale of Executive’s principal residence in connection with any such change of residence and any expenses incurred by Executive that are directly attributable to such sale (for purposes of this provision, “loss” is understood to mean a sale of such principal residence at a price less than the adjusted basis in such residence);
(d)
The failure of State Auto to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to State Auto to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5.1 of this Agreement;
(e)
The failure of State Auto to provide Executive with substantially the same Employee Benefits that were provided to him immediately prior to the Change of Control, or with a package of Employee Benefits that, though one





or more of such benefits may vary from those in effect immediately prior to a Change of Control, is substantially comparable in all material respects to such Employee Benefits taken as a whole; or
(f)
Any material reduction in Executive’s compensation or benefits or a material adverse change in Executive’s location or duties, if such material reduction or material adverse change occurs at any time after the commencement of any discussion with a third party relating to a possible Change of Control of State Auto involving such third party, if such material reduction or material adverse change is in contemplation of such possible Change of Control and such Change of Control is actually consummated within 12 months after the date of such material reduction or material adverse change.
The existence of Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s subsequent incapacity due to physical or mental illness. Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute a waiver of Executive’s rights with respect to any circumstance constituting Good Reason under this Agreement. Executive shall provide State Auto with written notice of his intent to terminate with Good Reason within a period not to exceed 90 days of the initial existence of the condition constituting Good Reason. State Auto shall have a period of 30 days in which it may remedy the condition and prevent Executive’s termination for Good Reason.
1.13     LBP means the State Auto Financial Corporation Leadership Bonus Plan.
1.14
QPB means the State Auto Financial Corporation Quality Performance Bonus Plan.
1.15
Severance Benefits means the benefits described in Section 2.1 of this Agreement, as adjusted by the applicable provisions of Section 9.1 of this Agreement.
1.16
Short Term Incentive Plans means collectively, the LBP, the QPB and any other short term incentive compensation plan of State Auto.
1.17
Subsidiary means any corporation, insurance company or other entity a majority of the voting control of which is directly or indirectly owned or controlled at the time by State Auto Financial.
1.18
Term means the earlier of the period commencing on the Effective Date of this Agreement and ending on October 27, 2017, both dates inclusive, or the end of the month in which Executive attains age 65; provided, however, that if a Change of Control occurs during the Term of this Agreement, the Term of this Agreement will be extended for the lesser of 36 months beyond the end of the month in which any such Change of Control occurs, or the number of months beyond the end of the month in which any such Change of Control occurs until Executive attains age 65. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate upon Executive’s termination of employment with State Auto for any other reason; provided, however, that Sections 2.3 and 2.4, Articles IV, VI through X, and Sections 11.3, 11.6 and 11.8 of the Agreement shall survive Executive’s termination of employment.
Article II      Change of Control.
2.1      Severance Benefits. In the event that State Auto shall undergo a Change of Control, and if Executive then becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits, State Auto or its respective successor, shall pay or provide to Executive the following Severance Benefits, adjusted by the applicable provisions of Section 9.1:
(a)
Annual Base Salary . In addition to any accrued compensation payable as of Executive’s termination of employment, a lump sum cash amount equal to Executive’s Annual Base Salary multiplied by two, unless at the time of such employment termination Executive is within two years of age 65, in which case the benefit due under this subsection (a) shall not exceed Executive’s Annual Base Salary multiplied by a factor equal to the number of months remaining until Executive attains age 65 presented as a whole integer and a fraction of a partial year (e.g., 15 months equals 1.25).
(b)
Annual Incentive Compensation . In addition to any compensation otherwise payable pursuant to Executive’s bonus arrangements, a lump sum cash amount equal to Executive’s Average Annual Award multiplied by two, unless at the time of such employment termination Executive is within two years of age 65, in which case the benefit due under this subsection (b) shall not exceed Executive’s Average Annual Award multiplied by a factor equal to the number of months remaining until Executive attains age 65 presented as a whole integer and a fraction of a partial year (e.g., 15 months equals 1.25). In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive a prorated annual incentive payment for the year in which the Change of Control occurred, if otherwise eligible for such annual incentive. Such prorated annual incentive amount,





if any, will be determined based on the target award levels established for the year in which the Change of Control occurred.
(c)
Stock Options and Other Equity Awards . Stock options and any other types of equity awards (e.g., restricted shares, performance shares, performance units, etc.) held by Executive become exercisable upon a Change of Control according to the terms of the applicable stock option or equity plan and related agreement (if any) under which such stock options or other equity awards were granted.
(d)
Outplacement . State Auto shall pay all fees for outplacement services incurred by Executive up to a maximum equal to 15% of Executive’s Annual Base Salary, plus provide a travel expense account of up to $5,000 to reimburse job search travel. Such expenses and reimbursements shall be limited to those expenses incurred within the two calendar years following the calendar year of Executive’s separation from service or prior to Executive’s attainment of age 65, if Executive is within two years of age 65 at the time of the Change in Control. Such expenses shall be paid no later than December 31 st of the calendar year following the applicable calendar year in which such reimbursable expense was incurred.
(e)
Health Insurance Reimbursement . State Auto shall pay Executive an amount equal to State Auto’s then current monthly per employee cost of providing State Auto’s health insurance benefit multiplied by 24, unless at the time of the Change in Control Executive is within two years of age 65, in which case the health insurance reimbursement provided in this Section 2.1(e) shall be multiplied by the number of months remaining until Executive attains age 65.
In computing and determining Severance Benefits under subsections (a) and (b), above, a decrease in Executive’s salary or incentive bonus potential shall be disregarded if such decrease occurs within six months before a Change of Control, is in contemplation of such Change of Control, and is taken to avoid the effect of this Agreement should such action be taken after such Change of Control. In such event, the salary and incentive bonus potential used to determine Severance Benefits shall be that in effect immediately before the decrease that is disregarded pursuant to this Section 2.1.
The Severance Benefits provided in subsections (a), (b) and (e) above shall be paid on the 60 th business day following the date Executive’s employment terminates, provided that Executive has executed a general release and waiver of any claims against State Auto or its successors and the period of time during which Executive may revoke the general release and waiver has expired on or before the 60 th day following Executive’s separation from service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Code Section 409A, such payment shall be subject to and paid according to the provisions of Section 2.4, as described below.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Benefits provided in this Section 2.1 shall be the sole severance benefits payable to Executive in the event of any “change of control” (under any definition) of State Auto, and Executive hereby waives and relinquishes any and all rights or severance benefits under any other “change of control” provision applicable to Executive with respect to his employment by State Auto.
2.2      Eligibility for Severance Benefits. State Auto, or its respective successor, shall pay or provide to Executive the Severance Benefits as defined above, in the event that Executive becomes eligible for such Severance Benefits because, during the Term of this Agreement:
(a)
the Executive’s employment is terminated from all State Auto companies for any reason other than for Cause, the death or Disability of Executive, or Executive’s mandatory retirement at age 65 (or at the end of the calendar year in which Executive attains age 65), where permitted by law and the regulations under Section 1625.12 of the ADEA, within 24 months after a Change of Control; or
(b)
Executive terminates employment for Good Reason within 24 months after a Change of Control; or
(c)
the Executive’s employment is terminated from all State Auto companies for any reason other than for Cause or the death or Disability of Executive after an agreement has been reached with an unaffiliated third party, the performance of which agreement would result in a Change of Control involving such third party, if such Change of Control is actually consummated within 12 months after the date of such termination.
Executive’s termination of employment for all purposes under this Agreement shall be determined to have occurred in accordance with the “separation from service” requirements of Code Section 409A and applicable Treasury Regulations and guidance issued thereunder.





2.3      Liquidated Damages; Mitigation. State Auto hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and may be impossible for Executive to find reasonably comparable employment, or to measure the amount of damages which Executive may suffer as a result of termination of employment hereunder. Accordingly, the payment of the Severance Benefits by State Auto to Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement is hereby acknowledged by State Auto to be reasonable and will be liquidated damages, and Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any profits, income, earnings or other benefits from any source whatsoever create any mitigation, offset, reduction or any other obligation on the part of Executive hereunder or otherwise. State Auto shall not be entitled to set off or counterclaim against amounts payable hereunder with respect to any claim, debt or obligation of Executive.
2.4      Specified Employee Delay. In the event Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Code Section 409A, any payments under this Agreement due to a separation from service and subject to Code Section 409A shall be delayed until a date that is six months after the date of separation from service (or, if earlier, the date of death of Executive). Payments to which a “specified employee” would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following the date of separation shall be accumulated and paid as of the first date of the seventh month following the date of separation from service. Interest shall be paid on any such delayed payment at the applicable federal rate under Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A).
Article III      Executive's Rights Under Certain Plans.
Any references to specific employee benefits arrangements in this Agreement are not intended to exclude Executive from participation in other benefits available to executive personnel generally or to preclude Executive’s right to other compensation or benefits as may be authorized by the Boards at any time; provided that such other compensation or benefits are not severance benefits payable upon a Change in Control. The provisions of this Agreement and any payments provided for hereunder shall not reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish Executive’s existing rights, or rights which would accrue solely as the result of the passage of time under any compensation plan, benefit plan, incentive plan, stock option plan, employment agreement or other contract, plan or arrangement except as may be specified in such contract, plan or arrangement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, State Auto agrees that the severance benefits provided to Executive herein are in addition to any rights and privileges to which Executive may be entitled as an employee of State Auto under any retirement, pension, insurance, hospitalization or other plan which may now or hereafter be in effect, it being understood that, except to the extent currently provided in such plans, Executive shall have the same rights and privileges to participate in such plans or benefits as any other employee of State Auto.
Article IV      Confidential Information; Forfeiture Events.
4.1      Confidential Information. Executive agrees to receive Confidential Information of State Auto in confidence, and not to disclose to others, assist others in the application of, or use for his own gain, such information, or any part thereof, unless and until it has become public knowledge or has come into the possession of such other or others by legal and equitable means and other than as a result of disclosure by Executive. Executive further agrees that, upon termination of his employment with State Auto, all documents, records, notebooks and similar repositories (including electronic formats) containing Confidential Information, including copies thereof, then in Executive's possession, whether prepared by him or others, will be left with and/or returned to State Auto. Executive further agrees that the obligation to maintain confidentiality created by this Article IV shall continue in effect for the duration of this Agreement and following the termination of Executive’s employment with State Auto for any reason.
4.2      Forfeiture Events; Clawback Rights.
(a)
The Board may, in its discretion, require Executive to repay to State Auto all or any portion of the amounts paid as Severance Benefits if:
(i)
Executive violates any non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality covenant applicable to the Executive and for the benefit of State Auto, including such covenants included in this Agreement;
(ii)
It is later discovered that Executive engaged in conduct detrimental to State Auto during the Employment Term which has a material adverse effect on State Auto as determined by the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual, in its discretion, acting in good faith; or
(iii)
(A)    The amount of any of the Severance Benefits was calculated based upon the achievement of certain financial results of State Auto that were subsequently the subject of a financial statement restatement by State Auto;





(B)    Executive engaged in conduct detrimental to State Auto that caused or substantially contributed to the need for the financial statement restatement by State Auto; and
(C)    The amount of Executive’s Severance Benefits would have been lower than the amount actually awarded to Executive had the financial results been properly reported.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Boards determine that Executive engaged in fraudulent conduct, then the Boards will seek repayment of the Severance Benefits. This provision shall not be the exclusive remedy of State Auto with respect to such matters.
(b)
The terms of any compensation recovery or recoupment policy heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Boards, including any and all amendments thereto (a “clawback policy”), are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by reference. In addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Executive agrees that any amounts payable or paid to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the terms of any clawback policy of the Boards.
Article V      Successors; Binding Agreement.
5.1      As to State Auto. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon State Auto, its successors and assigns, including without limitation, any person, partnership or corporation which may acquire voting control of State Auto Financial or all or substantially all of its assets and business, or which may be a party to any consolidation, merger or other transaction that results in a Change of Control of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual. State Auto will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of State Auto (or of any division or Subsidiary thereof employing Executive) to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that State Auto would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure of State Auto to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle Executive to compensation from State Auto in the same amount and on the same terms to which Executive would be entitled hereunder if Executive terminated employment for Good Reason following a Change of Control.
5.2      As to Executive. This Agreement shall also inure to the benefit of and be binding on Executive, his heirs, successors and legal representatives. This Agreement shall be enforceable by Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. Executive’s rights and benefits under this Agreement may not be assigned, except that if Executive dies while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder if Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to the beneficiary indicated on the Beneficiary Designation attached as Exhibit A or, if there is no such beneficiary, to Executive’s estate. Such payments, if any, shall be made in the same form and at the same time, as such payment would have been made to Executive.
Article VI      COBRA Continuation Coverage.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of any “qualifying event,” as defined in Code Section 4980B(f), Executive and his qualifying beneficiaries shall be entitled to continuation of health care coverage, as provided under Code Section 4980B(f). The foregoing is intended as a statement of Executive's continuation coverage rights and is in no way intended to limit any greater rights of Executive or his qualified beneficiaries.
Article VII      Indemnification; Enforcement Costs; Interest.
7.1      Indemnification. State Auto, as provided for in its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and its Amended and Restated Bylaws, shall indemnify Executive to the full extent of the general laws of the State of Ohio, now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under procedures provided by such laws. From the date of a Change of Control, State Auto shall (a) for a period of five years after such Change of Control, provide Executive (including Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators) with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy at State Auto's expense, and (b) indemnify and hold harmless Executive, to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by the law of the State of Ohio as it may from time to time be amended, if Executive is (whether before or after the Change of Control) made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director, officer or employee of State Auto or any Subsidiary, or is or was serving at the request of State Auto or any Subsidiary, as a director, trustee, officer or employee of an insurance company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise. The indemnification provided by this Section 7.1 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Executive may be entitled under the charter or bylaws of State Auto or of any Subsidiary, or any agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in Executive’s official capacity and as





to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to Executive after Executive has ceased to be a director, trustee, officer or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of Executive.
7.2      Enforcement Cost. State Auto is aware that, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Board or a shareholder or policyholder of State Auto, as the case may be, may then cause or attempt to cause State Auto to refuse to comply with their obligations under this Agreement, or may cause or attempt to cause State Auto to institute, or may institute, litigation, arbitration or other legal action seeking to have this Agreement declared unenforceable, or may take, or attempt to take, other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Agreement. In these circumstances, the purpose of this Agreement could be frustrated. It is the intent of State Auto that Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of Executive’s rights under this Agreement by litigation, arbitration or other legal action nor be bound to negotiate any settlement of Executive’s rights hereunder under threat of incurring such expenses because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Executive under this Agreement. Accordingly, if following a Change of Control it should appear to Executive that State Auto has failed to comply with any of their obligations under this Agreement, or in the event that State Auto or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institute any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish or to recover from Executive, the benefits intended to be provided to Executive hereunder, State Auto irrevocably authorizes Executive from time to time to retain counsel (legal and accounting) of Executive’s choice at the expense of State Auto as provided in this Section 7.2 to represent Executive in connection with the calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction, or the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against State Auto or any director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with State Auto. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between State Auto and such counsel, State Auto irrevocably consents to Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection State Auto and Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between Executive and such counsel. The reasonable fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by Executive as provided in this Section 7.2 shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive by State Auto on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by Executive of a statement or statements prepared by such counsel in accordance with their customary practices.
7.3      Interest. In any action involving this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to prejudgment interest on any amounts found to be due him from the date such amounts would have been payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement at an annual rate of interest equal to the prime commercial rate in effect at the corporation’s principal bank or their successor from time to time during the prejudgment period plus four percent.
Article VIII      Cooperation with Regard to Litigation .
Executive agrees to cooperate with State Auto for a period of two years following Executive’s termination of employment by making himself reasonably available to testify on behalf of State Auto in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and to assist State Auto in any such action, suit or proceeding by providing information and meeting and consulting with the Boards or their counsel or counsel to State Auto as reasonably requested by the Boards or such counsel. Executive shall be reimbursed by State Auto for any expenses (including, but not limited to, legal fees) reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with his compliance with the foregoing covenant.
Article IX      Payment of Taxes and Timing.
9.1      Excess Severance Payment. If any Severance Benefit or other benefit paid or provided under Section 2.1, or the acceleration of stock option vesting, would be subject to excise tax pursuant to Code Section 4999 (or any similar federal or state excise tax), but would not be so subject if the total of such payments would be reduced by 10% or less, then such payment shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary so as not to cause State Auto to have paid an Excess Severance Payment as defined in Code Section 280G(b)(1) and so Executive will not be subject to Excise Tax pursuant to Code Section 4999. The calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction shall be approved by State Auto’s independent certified public accounting firm engaged by State Auto immediately prior to the Change of Control and the calculation shall be provided to Executive in writing. Executive shall then be given 15 days, or such longer period as Executive reasonably requests and to which State Auto agrees, such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, to accept or reject the calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction. If Executive rejects the Code Section 280G reduction calculation and the parties are thereafter unable to agree within an additional 45 days, the arbitration provisions of Section 10.1 shall control. State Auto shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable legal and accounting fees incurred with respect to the calculation of the Code Section 280G reduction and any disputes related thereto. Any payments owed to Executive under this Section 9.1, which are subject to the rules under Code Section 409A and related regulations, shall be made to Executive no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the taxes are remitted to the taxing authority. In the event that the amount of any Severance Benefit that would be payable to or for the benefit of Executive under this Agreement must be modified or reduced to comply with this provision, it shall be modified or reduced on a pro-rata basis. In no event shall the total payments be reduced by more than 10% in order to avoid treatment as an Excess Severance Payment.





9.2      Withholding of Taxes. State Auto may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as required by law; provided, however, that such payment may not exceed the amount of such taxes due as a result of the payments due under this Agreement.
In accordance with Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder, this Agreement shall permit the payment of amounts necessary to (a) satisfy the employment tax withholding obligations that arise under this Agreement prior to the date that payment may otherwise be made under this Agreement and/or (b) satisfy the excise tax or underpayment penalties owed under Code Section 409A in the event of a violation of Code Section 409A under this Agreement.
9.3      Delayed Payments. In the event of a genuine dispute between State Auto or any Subsidiary and Executive regarding the amount or timing of benefits under this Agreement, a delay in the payment of amounts under this Agreement shall not cause Executive to violate Code Section 409A to the extent that such delay satisfies the conditions set forth in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations thereunder.
9.4      Savings Clause. If any payments otherwise payable to Executive under this Agreement are prohibited or limited by any statute or regulation in effect at the time the payments would otherwise be payable (any such limiting statute or regulation a “ Limiting Rule ”):
(a)
State Auto will use its best efforts to obtain the consent of the appropriate governmental agency to the payment by State Auto to Executive of the maximum amount that is permitted (up to the amounts that would be due to Executive absent the Limiting Rule); and
(b)
Executive will be entitled to elect to have apply, and therefore to receive benefits directly under, either (i) this Agreement (as limited by the Limiting Rule) or (ii) any generally applicable State Auto severance, separation pay and/or salary continuation plan that may be in effect at the time of Executive’s termination.
Following any such election, Executive will be entitled to receive benefits under this Agreement or plan elected only if and to the extent the Agreement or plan is applicable and subject to its specific terms.
Article X      Arbitration.
10.1      Arbitration. The method for resolving any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be binding arbitration in accordance with this Section 10.1. Except as provided otherwise in this Section 10.1, arbitration pursuant to this Section 10.1 shall be governed by the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. A party wishing to obtain arbitration of an issue shall deliver written notice to the other party, including a description of the issue to be arbitrated. Within 15 days after either party demands arbitration, State Auto and Executive shall each appoint an arbitrator. The fees and expenses of these arbitrators shall be paid by the party that selected such arbitrator. Within 15 additional days, these two arbitrators shall appoint the third arbitrator by mutual agreement; if they fail to agree within this 15 day period, then the third arbitrator shall be selected promptly pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association for Commercial Arbitration. The arbitration panel shall hold a hearing in Columbus, Ohio, within 90 days after the appointment of the third arbitrator. The fees and expenses of the third arbitrator, and any American Arbitration Association fees, shall be paid equally by the parties. Both State Auto and Executive may be represented by counsel (legal and accounting) and may present testimony and other evidence at the hearing. Each party shall be responsible for the legal fees and other expenses incurred by each party. Within 90 days after commencement of the hearing, the arbitration panel will issue a written decision; the majority vote of two of the three arbitrators shall control. The majority decision of the arbitrators shall be binding on the parties. Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of Executive’s rights under this Agreement during the period of time that any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement is pending.
Article XI      General Provisions.
11.1      Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the impact of a Change of Control on Executive, and completely supersedes any prior verbal or written agreements or arrangements between the parties hereto, if any, related to a Change of Control. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement cannot be hereafter amended, modified or supplemented in any respect, except by a subsequent written agreement signed by both parties hereto. The parties also agree that this Agreement shall be amended and/or modified as necessary to comply with Code Section 409A or regulations issued thereunder as well as requirements or regulations issued under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as applicable.





11.2      Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to any of its conflict of law provisions.
11.3      Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and will be duly given if sent by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the respective parties to the addresses set forth below or such other addresses as the parties may hereafter designate in writing for such purpose:
(a)
If to either State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C or State Auto Mutual, to 518 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Attention: Corporate Secretary; and
(b)
If to Executive, to the address set forth in the attached Exhibit A .
If the parties by mutual agreement supply each other with telecopier numbers for the purposes of providing notice by facsimile, such notice shall also be proper notice under this Agreement. Notice sent by certified or registered mail shall be effective two days after deposit by delivery to the U.S. Post Office.
11.4      Assignment. Except as expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any rights, benefits or obligations hereunder may be assigned by Executive without the prior written consent of State Auto Mutual and State Auto Financial.
11.5      Capacity.
(a)
State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C and State Auto Mutual represent and warrant to Executive that they have the capacity and right to enter into this Agreement and perform all of their obligations under this Agreement without any restriction by any agreement, document, restrictive covenant or otherwise.
(b)
Executive represents and warrants to State Auto Financial, State Auto P&C and State Auto Mutual that he has the capacity and right to enter into this Agreement and perform all of his services and other obligations under this Agreement without any restriction by any agreement, document, restrictive covenant or otherwise.
11.6      Waiver. The failure by a party to exercise or enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not constitute or be deemed a waiver of that party's rights hereunder to enforce each and every term of this Agreement. The failure by a party to insist upon strict performance of any of the terms and provisions herein will not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent default in the terms or provisions herein.
11.7      Rights and Remedies Cumulative. All rights and remedies of the parties hereunder are cumulative.
11.8      Divisibility. The provisions of this Agreement are divisible. If any such provision shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, it shall not affect the applicability or validity of any other provision of this Agreement, and if any such provision shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable as to any periods of time, territory or business activities, such provision shall be deemed limited to the extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable.
11.9      Captions and Titles. Captions and titles have been used in this Agreement only for convenience and in no way define, limit or describe the meaning of any Article or any part thereof.
11.10      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11.11      Code Section 409A Compliance. It is the intention of both Executive and State Auto that the benefits and rights to which Executive could be entitled to under this Agreement be exempt from or, to the extent that the requirements of Code Section 409A apply, comply with Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with that intention. If Executive or State Auto believes, at any time, that any such benefit or right that is subject to Code Section 409A does not so comply, it shall promptly advise the other and shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith to amend the terms of such benefits and rights so that they comply with Code Section 409A (with the most limited possible economic effect on Executive and State Auto).





STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ Mike E. LaRocco
 
/s/ Kim B. Garland
 
Mike E. LaRocco
 
Kim B. Garland
 
President and CEO
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATE AUTOMOBILE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ Mike E. LaRocco
 
 
 
Mike E. LaRocco
 
 
 
President and CEO
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATE AUTO PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ Mike E. LaRocco
 
 
 
Mike E. LaRocco
 
 
 
President and CEO
 
 






Exhibit A
Beneficiary Designation and Notice Form
Beneficiary Designation
In the event of my death, I direct that any amounts due me under this Agreement to which this Beneficiary Designation is attached shall be distributed to the person designated below. If no beneficiary shall be living to receive such assets they shall be paid to the administrator or executor of my estate.
Notice
Until notified otherwise, pursuant to Section 11.3 of this Agreement, notices should be sent to me at the following address:
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
 
 
                            
Kim B. Garland
 
/s/ Kim B. Garland
Signature of Executive
 
Kim B. Garland
Print Name of Executive
 
Diane E. Garland
Beneficiary Name
 
Spouse
Relationship to Executive





Exhibit 31.01
CERTIFICATION
I, Michael E. LaRocco, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of State Auto Financial Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Date: August 8, 2016
/s/ Michael E. LaRocco
 
Michael E. LaRocco, Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal executive officer)





Exhibit 31.02
CERTIFICATION
I, Steven E. English, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of State Auto Financial Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Date: August 8, 2016
/s/ Steven E. English
 
Steven E. English, Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal financial officer)




Exhibit 32.01
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of State Auto Financial Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael E. LaRocco, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
/s/ Michael E. LaRocco
 
Michael E. LaRocco
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
August 8, 2016
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to State Auto Financial Corporation and will be retained by State Auto Financial Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





Exhibit 32.02
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of State Auto Financial Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Steven E. English, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
/s/ Steven E. English
 
Steven E. English
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
August 8, 2016
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to State Auto Financial Corporation and will be retained by State Auto Financial Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.